How To Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement used to determine whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on their height and weight. It is a simple calculation that can give you an idea of whether you are at a healthy weight for your height.

How to Calculate BMI

To calculate your BMI, you will need your height and weight. Follow these steps:

1. Convert your weight from pounds to kilograms by dividing it by 2.205.
2. Convert your height from inches to meters by multiplying it by 0.0254.
3. Square your height in meters.
4. Divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters.

For example, if you weigh 150 pounds and are 5 feet 6 inches tall, you would calculate your BMI as follows:

1. 150 pounds ÷ 2.205 = 68 kilograms
2. 5 feet 6 inches = 66 inches = 1.6764 meters
3. 1.6764 meters x 1.6764 meters = 2.8128
4. 68 kilograms ÷ 2.8128 = 24.16

Your BMI would be 24.16, which falls within the normal weight range.

Interpreting Your BMI

Once you have calculated your BMI, you can use the following categories to interpret your results:

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
• Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
• Obese: BMI 30 or higher

It’s important to note that while BMI can be a useful tool for assessing weight status, it does have limitations. It does not take into account factors such as muscle mass, body composition, or distribution of fat, which can vary among individuals. Additionally, BMI may not be as accurate for athletes or older adults.

Why is BMI Important?

Knowing your BMI can provide a general indication of whether you are at a healthy weight for your height. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for a variety of health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. On the other hand, being underweight can also have negative health effects.

By calculating your BMI, you can have a starting point for assessing your weight and making any necessary lifestyle changes to improve your health. If your BMI falls outside the normal weight range, it may be a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.