What is the BMI Calculator?
Body mass index (BMI) is your weight in kilograms divided by the square of your height in metres. It is a quick screening number doctors use to see whether a weight is in a healthy range for a height.
Research shows that South Asians, including Indians, face higher risks of diabetes and heart disease at a lower BMI. So besides the standard WHO categories, you can use the Asian-Indian cut-offs, where 23 and above counts as overweight and 25 and above as obese.
How to use it
- Choose metric (cm, kg) or imperial (feet, inches, pounds).
- Enter your height and weight.
- Choose WHO or Asian-Indian categories.
- Read your BMI, its category and the healthy weight range for your height.
Example
Height 170 cm, weight 72 kg
BMI 24.9 · WHO: healthy weight · Asian-Indian: overweight
Features
- Metric and imperial. Centimetres and kilograms, or feet, inches and pounds.
- Asian-Indian cut-offs. Categories from the Indian consensus guidelines, alongside WHO.
- Healthy weight range. The weight range for your height, and how far you are from it.
- Visual scale. See where your BMI sits on a coloured scale.
- BMI Prime. Your BMI as a ratio of the upper healthy limit.
- Private. Your height and weight never leave your device.
Frequently asked questions
How is BMI calculated?
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². For 72 kg and 1.70 m: 72 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 24.9. In imperial units, BMI = 703 × weight (lb) ÷ height (in)².
What is a healthy BMI for Indians?
Indian guidelines suggest a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 22.9. A BMI of 23 to 24.9 is overweight and 25 or more is obese, lower than the WHO cut-offs of 25 and 30, because health risks rise at a lower BMI in South Asians.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
No. BMI does not tell fat from muscle, so very muscular people can show a high BMI, and older adults with low muscle can show a normal one. Waist size is a useful second check: for Indians, a waist above 90 cm in men or 80 cm in women signals higher risk.
Can I use this for children?
No. Children and teenagers need BMI-for-age percentile charts, because healthy BMI changes as they grow. This calculator is for adults aged 18 and over.
Is this medical advice?
No. BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Talk to a doctor about your weight and health.
Last updated · Free, no sign-up, runs in your browser.