BMI Formula:
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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.
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula divides your weight by the square of your height to give a standardized measure of body composition.
Details: BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's a simple, inexpensive method to identify possible weight problems in adults.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure height without shoes and weight with minimal clothing.
Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.
Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.
Q3: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.
Q4: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than the adult categories.
Q5: What's better than BMI?
A: While BMI is useful for population studies, waist circumference and body fat percentage may be better individual indicators.