What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple, widely used tool to assess whether your body weight falls within a healthy range based on your height. It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms withs your height in meters squared (kg/m²) or using an online BMI calculator. It works well for population-level data but has limitations when used individually.
Check out the BMI range for adults in the table below:
BMI Range
Classification
Below 18.5
Underweight
18.5 – 24.9
Normal weight
30.0 – 34.9
Overweight
30 - 34.9
Obese Class I
35.0 – 39.9
Obese Class II
40.0 and above
Obesity Class III (Severe Obesity)
What is Body Fat Percentage?
Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat your body holds compared to muscles, bones, organs, and water. It provides a realistic view of your body composition and does not solely depend on height and weight. It is considered a more accurate way to track your health, fitness, and weight management goals.
Take a look at the body fat percentage range below:
Category
Percentage (Men)
Percentage (Women)
Essential fat
2% to 5%
10% to 13%
Athletes
6% to 13%
14% to 20%
Fitness
14% to 17%
21% to 24%
Acceptable
18% to 24%
25% to 31%
Obesity
≥25%
≥32%
Body fat percentage is measured using skinfold callipers, bioelectrical impedance analysis, DEXA scans, etc. Moreover, it helps athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals manage fat loss or muscle gain while monitoring their progress effectively.
BMI vs Body Fat Percentage: Key Differences
The following table highlights some of the common differences between BMI and Body fat percentage:
Parameter
BMI (Body Mass Index)
Body Fat Percentage
What It Measures?
BMI measures if your body weight falls within the healthy category based on your height.
Body fat percentage measures the fat proportion in your body as compared to muscles, bones, organs, and water.
How is it Calculated?
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m²)
It is measured via skinfold callipers, DEXA scans, bioelectrical impedance analysis, etc.
Muscle Mass
Not Considered
Considered
Accuracy
Only appropriate for general screening
High accuracy, as it provides detailed body composition
Used For
Large population studies and quick health risk assessment
Personal fitness tracking, fat loss, and athletic goals
Health Risk Prediction
BMI can indicate risk, but may misclassify muscular or lean individuals.
Body fat percentage accurately reflects a health risk linked to excess fat.
BMI or Body Fat Percentage - Which is Best for You?
BMI helps to categorize you as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese based on your weight and height. It does not differentiate between fat and muscle, due to which you may have the same BMI as people with different health profiles. For example, if you are building muscle while losing fat, your weight (and consequently BMI) might remain the same, even though your health and fitness levels are improving.
On the other hand, body fat percentage refers to the proportion of fat in your body as opposed to lean tissues like muscle, bone, organs, etc. Unlike BMI, it does not solely depend on your weight and height. Thus, BMI is a rough estimate of body fat, whereas body fat percentage is more accurate.
Moreover, while a BMI of 30 and above is categorized as obese, body fat percentage offers more nuanced categories. For instance, a body fat percentage over 32% in men and 40% in women is often labelled as morbidly obese.
Hence, BMI is suitable to measure overall body weight, not body composition. You can calculate your BMI if you need a general and easy-to-use health indicator to assess any risk associated with your weight. However, if you need an in-depth analysis of your health, body fat percentage is a better method.
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FAQs

  • Q. Is body fat percentage more accurate than BMI?

    Ans: Yes. Body fat percentage is more accurate than BMI as it measures the fat content in your body and not just considers your height and weight.

  • Q. Should I focus on BMI or body fat percentage?

    Ans: The choice between BMI vs body fat percentage entirely depends on the purpose. BMI is often used for an initial assessment or assessing a large population for health-related risks. Body fat percentage, however, provides a more accurate and detailed view of your body composition and is useful for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or someone managing body composition changes. You can use both of them to get a fuller picture of your health and weight.

  • Q. Can you convert BMI to body fat percentage?

    Ans: No, you cannot convert BMI to a body fat percentage, as they measure different aspects of your body.

  • Q. Why is my BMI high but body fat low?

    Ans: You may have a high BMI and a low body fat, as BMI does not consider muscle mass and fat content. Thus, if you have high muscle mass, you may have a high BMI even if you have low fat content.

  • Q. What is an acceptable body fat percentage?

    Ans: For adults, the acceptable body fat percentage is between 18-24%for men and 25-31% for women.

  • Q. What is the normal BMI for adults?

    Ans: The normal BMI for adults is between 18.5 and 24.9.
Other Bmi Calculator Pages
What Is A Healthy Bmi Range By Age And Gender?
How To Reduce Your Bmi Naturally?
Why Bmi Matters In Health Insurance Underwriting?
What Are The Limitations Of Bmi?