BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculator
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used reference measure of your weight relative to your height.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is based on the World Health Organization's weight/height reference classification; it can be misleading for people with high muscle mass and is not a standalone health assessment.
How Is BMI Calculated?
BMI is calculated by dividing your body weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres (BMI = weight / height²). Developed in the 1830s by Belgian statistician Adolphe Quetelet, the formula is used today by organizations including the World Health Organization as a population-level reference. Because it relies only on height and weight, BMI does not separately account for body fat percentage, muscle mass or fat distribution — so it can be misleading for people with high muscle mass, such as regular athletes. For a fuller picture, complementary measures like body fat percentage and waist-hip ratio are worth considering too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is a BMI calculation?
BMI offers a practical reference for large populations, but it may not reflect true body fat in people with high muscle mass (such as regular athletes).
Is BMI a sufficient health indicator on its own?
No — it provides a more complete picture when considered together with other measures such as body fat percentage and waist circumference.
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You may want to use this alongside our Body Fat Percentage Calculator (US Navy Method).
This tool is for general information and awareness only; it does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Results may deviate from true values due to measurement error and the general assumptions built into the underlying formula.
These tools offer a general idea; for an assessment specific to your situation, feel free to contact us.