BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if your weight is in healthy proportion to your height.
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared.
BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category—underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online calculators accurate?
Online calculators provide good estimates based on established formulas and research. However, they should be used as guidelines rather than definitive measurements. For the most accurate results, consult with healthcare professionals who can perform direct measurements and consider your individual circumstances.
How often should I use these calculators?
For tracking purposes, using calculators every 4-6 weeks is generally recommended. This timeframe allows for meaningful changes to occur while preventing obsessive tracking. However, the frequency may vary depending on your specific goals and the type of calculator.
Can I rely on these calculators for medical advice?
No, these calculators are educational tools and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized recommendations, especially for medical decisions or if you have underlying health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BMI and what does it measure?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value calculated from your weight and height. It provides a simple measure to categorize individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. BMI = weight(kg) / height²(m²).
What are the limitations of BMI?
BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, so athletic individuals with high muscle mass may be incorrectly classified as overweight. It also doesn't account for age, gender, ethnicity, or body fat distribution, which are important factors in health assessment.
What are healthy BMI ranges?
Generally, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese. However, these ranges may vary for different populations, and BMI should be interpreted alongside other health indicators.
How accurate are fitness calculators?
Fitness calculators provide estimates based on population averages and established formulas. Their accuracy varies depending on how closely you match the populations used to develop these formulas. For more personalized results, consider working with a fitness professional who can account for your individual characteristics.
How often should I recalculate my fitness metrics?
For most fitness metrics, recalculating every 4-8 weeks is appropriate. This allows enough time for physiological changes to occur while providing regular feedback on your progress. If you're making significant lifestyle changes, you might want to recalculate more frequently initially.
Can fitness calculators replace professional assessment?
While fitness calculators are valuable tools for tracking and estimating, they cannot replace comprehensive assessments by qualified professionals. Trainers and healthcare providers can offer personalized guidance, correct form assessment, and adjustments based on your specific needs and limitations.
Are online calculators accurate?
Online calculators provide good estimates based on established formulas and research. However, they should be used as guidelines rather than definitive measurements. For the most accurate results, consult with healthcare professionals who can perform direct measurements and consider your individual circumstances.
How often should I use these calculators?
For tracking purposes, using calculators every 4-6 weeks is generally recommended. This timeframe allows for meaningful changes to occur while preventing obsessive tracking. However, the frequency may vary depending on your specific goals and the type of calculator.
Can I rely on these calculators for medical advice?
No, these calculators are educational tools and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized recommendations, especially for medical decisions or if you have underlying health conditions.