Free online tool that helps you calculate body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of body fat based on a person's height and weight.
BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and it is a measure of body fat based on a person's weight and height. It is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (BMI = kg/m²).
The BMI is widely used as a screening tool to assess whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. The BMI ranges for adults are as follows:
However, it's important to note that BMI is not a perfect measure of health, and it has some limitations. For example, it does not take into account factors such as muscle mass and body composition, which can affect a person's overall health risk. Additionally, the BMI may not be appropriate for certain populations, such as athletes or pregnant women.
The calculation of BMI is the same for both adults and children, which involves dividing weight by the square of height in meters. However, the interpretation of the BMI value differs for adults and children because the amount of body fat changes as children grow and mature.
For children, the interpretation of BMI is based on age and sex, as well as the BMI value. A child's BMI is compared to that of other children of the same age and sex to determine their BMI percentile. The BMI percentile indicates the relative position of the child's BMI value among other children of the same age and sex.
For example, a BMI percentile of 50 means that the child has a BMI value that is greater than or equal to 50% of other children of the same age and sex. A BMI percentile of less than 5 is considered underweight, while a BMI percentile of 85 to 94 is considered overweight, and a BMI percentile of 95 or greater is considered obese.
The BMI calculator is a screening tool that provides an estimate of body fat based on a person's height and weight. It is not suitable for children, athletes, pregnant women, or people with certain medical conditions.
The BMI is not a perfect measure of health and does not take into account factors such as muscle mass and body composition. Therefore, the results should be interpreted in conjunction with other measures of health, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and physical activity levels.
This calculator is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.