1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in meters

Explanation: The formula relates body mass to height squared, providing a standardized measure that can be compared across different heights.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure that helps identify potential weight problems in adults. It's widely used in clinical practice and population studies.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Q4: What's the difference between kg/m² and lb/in²?
A: The standard unit is kg/m². To calculate using pounds and inches: BMI = (weight in pounds × 703) / (height in inches)².

Q5: Why is this called the Stanford BMI calculator?
A: This calculator follows the methodology and standards used by Stanford University's health research.