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. BMI 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 meters (m)

Explanation: The formula divides your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. This gives a standardized measure that can be compared across different heights.

3. BMI Categories

Standard BMI Categories:

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
• Obese: BMI 30 or greater

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure your height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and those with muscular builds, and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q2: How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
A: 1 pound = 0.453592 kilograms. Multiply your weight in pounds by 0.453592 to get kilograms.

Q3: How do I convert feet/inches to meters?
A: First convert height to inches (feet × 12 + inches), then multiply by 0.0254 to get meters.

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

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, but individual factors like muscle mass should be considered.