Understanding BMI
BMI Categories:
- Underweight: < 18.5
- Normal weight: 18.5 - 24.9
- Overweight: 25 - 29.9
- Obese: ≥ 30
BMI Formula:
Metric: BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m))²
Imperial: BMI = (weight (lbs) × 703) / (height (inches))²
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. The BMI calculation divides an adult's weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared.
How to calculate bmi?
To calculate Body Mass Index (BMI), divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared (kg/m²), or divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, then multiply by 703. The result is your BMI, a number that helps assess whether your weight is within a healthy range for your height.
Detailed Calculation Steps:
1. Gather Measurements:
Obtain your weight in kilograms or pounds, and your height in meters or inches.
2. Metric Units (kg/m²):
Square your height in meters (height x height).
Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared.
The result is your BMI.
3. US Customary Units (pounds/inches²):
Square your height in inches (height x height).
Divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared.
Multiply the result by 703.
The result is your BMI.
4. Example:
If you weigh 65 kg and are 1.70 m tall:
1.70 m x 1.70 m = 2.89 m².
65 kg / 2.89 m² = 22.49 BMI.
5. Example:
If you weigh 180 lbs and are 65 inches tall:
65 inches x 65 inches = 4225 in².
180 lbs / 4225 in² = 0.0426.
0.0426 x 703 = 29.95 BMI.
Interpreting BMI:
Underweight: Below 18.5.
Normal weight: 18.5 to 24.9.
Overweight: 25 to 29.9.
Obese: 30 or higher.