How to Calculate BMI?
BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters (kg/m²). The numeric value obtained will categorize you as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. The BMI formula is:
BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m))^2
You can also use a BMI calculator to know your BMI within seconds.
What is the Healthy BMI Range by Age?
The healthy BMI range is different for adults and children. While the healthy BMI range for adults is 18.5 to 24.9, the healthy BMI range for children is between the 3rd percentile and less than 85th percentile. Adults and children below the healthy range are considered underweight, and above the healthy range are considered overweight or obese. Take a look at the BMI range for adults and children below:
BMI Range for Adults:
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies BMI for both men and women aged 20 years or above as per the following:
BMI Range
Classification
Below 18.5
Underweight
18.5 – 24.9
Normal weight
25 – 29.9
Overweight or Pre-obesity
30 - 34.9
Obese Class I
35 - 39.9
Obese Class II
More than 40
Obese Class III
BMI Range for Children:
BMI for children and teens aged 2 years to 19 years is interpreted by using age-specific BMI percentiles as their body composition changes as they grow. It compares your child’s BMI with that of other children of the same age and gender. The following classification table is used to check the healthy BMI range for children:
BMI Percentile
Classification
Less than 3rd Percentile
Underweight
3rd Percentile to 85th Percentile
Healthy weight
85th Percentile to 97th Percentile
Overweight
>97th Percentile
Obese
What is the Healthy BMI Range by Gender?
The BMI range for adults remains the same regardless of gender. This happens even though men generally have more muscle mass than women, and women have higher body fat percentages compared to men. Despite these differences, the healthy BMI range for both men and women is 18.5 to 24.9.
However, that is not the case with men. The BMI range for children differs according to gender to a great extent. This happens because the growth patterns of girls and boys are different as they develop at different rates, leading to a varying body composition. Nonetheless, the healthy BMI range for children is between the 3rd percentile to below 85th percentile.
Health & Fitness Calculators
BMI Calculator
BMI Calculator
Ideal Weight Calculator
Ideal Weight Calculator
Calorie Calculator
Calorie Calculator
BMR Calculator
BMR Calculator
Body Fat Calculator
Body Fat Calculator

FAQs

  • Q. What is the normal BMI for both male and female?

    Ans: The normal BMI for both male and female is between 18.5 and 24.9.

  • Q. What is a safe BMI range?

    Ans: A safe or healthy BMI range is typically between 18.5 to 24.9 for adults. Whereas, for children, the BMI percentile must range between the 3rd percentile and the 85th percentile.

  • Q. What is a good BMI for my age by age?

    Ans: If you are an adult, a good BMI for you is between 18.5 to 24.9. If you are below 20 years old, a good BMI for you is between 3rd percentile to 85th percentile.

  • Q. What is the correct BMI for my age in kg?

    Ans: Your correct BMI can be calculated using a BMI calculator. The healthy BMI range for adults is 18.5 to 24.9, irrespective of age. However, children and teenagers below 20 years will have a healthy BMI if their BMI is between the 3rd percentile and the 85th percentile.

  • Q. What is the healthiest BMI?

    Ans: The healthiest BMI is between 18.5 to 24.9 for adults and between the 3rd percentile and 85th percentile for children and teenagers below 20 years.

  • Q. What is normal BMI for females?

    Ans: The normal BMI for females is 18.5 to 24.9, just like men.
Other Bmi Calculator Pages
How To Reduce Your Bmi Naturally?
Why Bmi Matters In Health Insurance Underwriting?
What Are The Limitations Of Bmi?
Bmi Vs. Body Fat Percentage: Which Is More Accurate?