What is a healthy BMI range?

A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal weight. Under 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

Is BMI accurate for athletes?

BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI but low body fat.

BMI = (weight in pounds × 703) / (height in inches)².

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using height and weight to categorize a person as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

BMI Formula (Metric)

BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²

1
Measure your weight
Weigh yourself in kilograms (or convert from pounds: 1 lb = 0.4536 kg).
2
Measure your height
Measure your height in meters (or convert from inches: 1 in = 0.0254 m).
3
Square your height
Multiply height by itself.
4
Divide weight by height²
The result is your BMI.

Normal weight example

Weight: 70 kgHeight: 1.75 m

Result: 22.9 (Normal weight)

BMI = 70 / (1.75)² = 70 / 3.0625 = 22.9

Imperial units example

Weight: 180 lbs (81.6 kg)Height: 5'10" (1.778 m)

Result: 25.8 (Overweight)

BMI = 81.6 / (1.778)² = 81.6 / 3.16 = 25.8