What is a healthy BMI?

For adults, WHO considers 18.5 to 24.9 healthy. For Asian Indians, Indian guidelines suggest staying between 18.5 and 22.9.

Why are the cut-offs lower for Indians?

Studies show that Asian Indians tend to carry more body fat and face higher risks of diabetes and heart disease at the same BMI as other populations.

Can children use this BMI calculator?

No. Children and teenagers need age- and sex-specific BMI percentile charts. Please consult a paediatrician.

No. BMI is a screening tool. It does not consider muscle, bone density or fat distribution. Use it as a starting point and speak to a doctor.

BMI Calculator – Body Mass Index for Adults

How to use the BMI Calculator

Choose metric (cm and kg) or imperial (feet, inches and pounds).
Enter your height and weight.
Read your BMI, your category on the colour scale and the healthy weight range for your height.

Formula

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²

WHO adult categories: below 18.5 underweight · 18.5–24.9 normal · 25–29.9 overweight · 30 and above obese.
Indian consensus guidelines use lower cut-offs for Asian Indians: 23–24.9 overweight and 25 or above obese, because health risks appear at a lower BMI.

Worked example: 170 cm and 68 kg

Height = 1.70 m, so height² = 2.89. BMI = 68 ÷ 2.89 = 23.5.

By WHO standards this is “normal weight”, but under the Asian-Indian guideline it is “overweight”. The healthy range for 170 cm is about 53.5–72 kg (WHO).

Limits of BMI

BMI does not measure body fat directly. Muscular people may have a high BMI while being healthy, and older adults may have a normal BMI with low muscle mass. Waist size is another useful check – for Indian adults, a waist above about 90 cm for men or 80 cm for women suggests higher risk. Always discuss your health with a doctor.

BMI Calculator