Example 1
5'10", 170 lb
BMI is about 24.4, in the healthy range, with BMI Prime near 0.98.
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BMI Calculator
Calculate your body mass index, healthy weight range, BMI prime, and waist circumference risk level.
Your measurements
Enter your height, weight, and waist circumference for a fuller health picture.
ft
in
lbs
yrs
in
BMI score
25.1
Overweight
Healthy weight range for your height
129 – 174 lbs
BMI prime
1.00
Waist circumference risk level
Low
NIH high-risk threshold: above 40" for men.
BMI category chart
Standard adult BMI ranges from the CDC and World Health Organization.
| Category | BMI range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 |
| Normal | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0 – 29.9 |
| Obese | 30.0 and above |
Disclaimer
BMI is a screening tool and works best when used alongside other health measures like waist circumference and lab results. Consult a healthcare professional for a complete health assessment.
Calculator guide
How It Works
BMI compares weight to height. The calculator converts your height in feet and inches to total inches, then uses the standard formula: weight in pounds multiplied by 703, divided by height in inches squared. It places the result in a standard category, finds the weight range that matches a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 for your height, and computes BMI Prime by dividing your BMI by 25.
Height and weight drive the score directly. Age and sex add context, since body composition changes over life and differs between men and women. Waist circumference matters because fat stored around the abdomen is linked to higher health risk, so the calculator applies NIH thresholds of more than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women. These numbers are a quick screening tool that can support decisions about health goals, insurance conversations, or a check-in with your doctor, but they are not a diagnosis.
What the Numbers Mean
- BMI score
- Your weight relative to height. Higher scores indicate more weight per inch of height.
- Category
- Underweight below 18.5, healthy 18.5 to 24.9, overweight 25 to 29.9, obese 30 or above.
- Healthy weight range
- Weights that keep you in the healthy band at your height.
- BMI Prime
- BMI divided by 25. Above 1.0 means above the healthy upper limit.
- Waist risk
- Elevated risk means abdominal fat may raise health concerns even at normal BMI.
Common Scenarios
Example 2
5'4", 180 lb
BMI is about 30.9, classed as obese; the healthy range is roughly 108 to 145 lb.
Example 3
Healthy BMI, large waist
A man with BMI 24 and a 41-inch waist still shows elevated waist risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my BMI number actually indicate?
BMI estimates body fat based on height and weight, with ranges categorized as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. It serves as a general screening tool rather than a precise health diagnosis.
Does BMI account for muscle mass?
BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, which can show a higher number for muscular individuals despite healthy body fat levels. Additional measurements like body fat percentage give a fuller picture.
Is BMI equally accurate for all body types?
BMI ranges apply general population averages and may not accurately reflect health status in athletes, older adults, or certain body compositions. Consulting a healthcare provider gives a more personalized assessment.
What's considered a healthy BMI range?
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered a healthy range for most adults, according to standard health guidelines.
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