1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in inches (converted to meters by multiplying by 0.0254)

Explanation: The formula converts height from inches to meters, then calculates the ratio of weight to height squared.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's used to identify underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity in adults.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in inches. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For most accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obesity (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes/muscular individuals and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.

Q3: Why convert inches to meters?
A: The standard BMI formula requires height in meters. 1 inch = 0.0254 meters.

Q4: Can children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than these adult categories.

Q5: What's better than BMI for measuring body fat?
A: More precise methods include skinfold thickness measurements, bioelectrical impedance, DEXA scans, and underwater weighing.