Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) using your weight in kilograms (kg) and height in centimeters (cm). This tool helps you understand your weight status and its potential health implications.
Enter your weight in kilograms (kg).Please enter a valid weight (e.g., 70).
Enter your height in centimeters (cm).Please enter a valid height (e.g., 175).
Your BMI Results
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Weight (kg)
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Height (cm)
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Height (m)
BMI Calculation Formula
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation used to estimate how much body fat a person has based on their weight and height. For metric units, the formula is:
BMI = Weight (kg) / (Height (m))2
This means you divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. For instance, if you are 70 kg and 1.75 m tall, your BMI would be 70 / (1.75 * 1.75) = 22.86.
Variables Used:
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Weight
The mass of an individual.
Kilograms (kg)
1 – 500 kg
Height
The vertical distance from the lowest point to the highest point of an individual.
Centimeters (cm)
50 – 250 cm
Height (m)
Height converted to meters for the formula.
Meters (m)
0.5 – 2.5 m
BMI
Body Mass Index, a numerical value indicating weight status.
kg/m²
15 – 50+ kg/m²
BMI Categories & Interpretation
Understanding Your BMI Score
BMI Range (kg/m²)
Weight Status
Health Risk
Below 18.5
Underweight
Increased risk of nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, infertility.
18.5 – 24.9
Normal Weight
Low risk of chronic diseases.
25.0 – 29.9
Overweight
Increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure.
30.0 and above
Obese
Significantly increased risk of obesity-related health problems.
It's important to note that BMI is a screening tool and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. Consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive health assessment.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Adult Male
Consider an adult male named Alex. Alex weighs 85 kilograms and is 180 centimeters tall.
Inputs:
Weight: 85 kg
Height: 180 cm
Calculation:
Convert height to meters: 180 cm / 100 = 1.80 m
Calculate height squared: 1.80 m * 1.80 m = 3.24 m²
Calculate BMI: 85 kg / 3.24 m² = 26.23 kg/m²
Result Interpretation: Alex's BMI is 26.23 kg/m², which falls into the "Overweight" category. This suggests a potential increased risk for health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and he might consider lifestyle changes to reach a healthier weight range. This calculation demonstrates the importance of using accurate weight and height for metric bmi calculation.
Example 2: Adult Female
Consider an adult female named Sarah. Sarah weighs 62 kilograms and is 165 centimeters tall.
Inputs:
Weight: 62 kg
Height: 165 cm
Calculation:
Convert height to meters: 165 cm / 100 = 1.65 m
Calculate height squared: 1.65 m * 1.65 m = 2.7225 m²
Calculate BMI: 62 kg / 2.7225 m² = 22.77 kg/m²
Result Interpretation: Sarah's BMI is 22.77 kg/m², placing her within the "Normal Weight" range. This indicates a lower risk for chronic diseases associated with weight. Regular monitoring and maintaining healthy habits are still recommended. This shows how the bmi calculation weight and height metric provides valuable health insights.
How to Use This BMI Calculator
Enter Weight: Input your current weight in kilograms (kg) into the "Weight" field. For example, if you weigh 70 kg, enter '70'.
Enter Height: Input your current height in centimeters (cm) into the "Height" field. For example, if you are 175 cm tall, enter '175'.
Calculate: Click the "Calculate BMI" button.
View Results: Your BMI value, weight category (Underweight, Normal, Overweight, Obese), and a brief description will be displayed. The intermediate values (Weight in kg, Height in cm, Height in m) will also be shown.
Interpret: Use the BMI category to understand your general weight status. Refer to the BMI categories table for more detailed health risk information.
Reset: To perform a new calculation, click the "Reset" button to clear the fields.
Copy: Click "Copy Results" to copy your calculated BMI, category, and intermediate values to your clipboard for easy sharing or record-keeping.
This calculator provides a quick and easy way to track your BMI over time. Consistent use can help you monitor progress towards health goals and make informed decisions about your well-being, especially when combined with other health metrics.
Key Factors Affecting BMI Results
While BMI is a widely used metric, several factors can influence its interpretation and accuracy:
Muscle Mass: Individuals with high muscle mass (e.g., athletes) may have a higher BMI even if they have low body fat. Muscle is denser than fat, leading to a higher weight for a given height.
Bone Density: People with very dense bones may also weigh more, potentially skewing their BMI upwards.
Age: BMI interpretation can vary slightly with age, as body composition naturally changes. For instance, older adults might have different fat distribution and muscle loss patterns.
Sex: Men and women tend to have different body compositions, with women generally having a higher percentage of body fat than men at the same BMI.
Frame Size: Body frame (small, medium, large) can affect weight. A person with a large frame might naturally weigh more than someone with a small frame of the same height and body composition.
Pregnancy and Lactation: BMI is not an accurate measure for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as weight fluctuations are expected and don't solely reflect fat gain.
Body Composition: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat mass and lean mass. Two people with the same BMI can have very different health risks based on their body fat percentage. Using this metric bmi calculator is just one step in understanding health.
Therefore, BMI should be considered alongside other health indicators and professional medical advice.
BMI Chart Visualization
The chart below visually represents how weight and height relate to BMI categories.
BMI Distribution Based on Input Weight and Height
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the standard BMI formula?
The standard formula for BMI using metric units is: Weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of Height (in meters). In symbols: BMI = kg / m².
Can I use imperial units (pounds and feet/inches) with this calculator?
No, this specific calculator is designed for metric units only (kilograms and centimeters). For imperial units, you would need a different formula or calculator.
Is BMI the only indicator of health?
No, BMI is a screening tool and doesn't account for body composition (muscle vs. fat), bone density, or other health factors. It's best used in conjunction with other health assessments and professional medical advice.
What is considered an unhealthy BMI?
BMI values below 18.5 (Underweight) and 25.0 and above (Overweight/Obese) are generally considered outside the healthy range, indicating potential health risks. However, context is crucial, especially for individuals with high muscle mass.
How often should I check my BMI?
Checking your BMI periodically, such as monthly or quarterly, can help you monitor trends. However, focus more on overall healthy habits (diet, exercise) rather than just the number.
Does BMI change over time?
Yes, BMI can change over time due to factors like diet, exercise, aging, and health conditions. Tracking changes can be useful for understanding the impact of lifestyle modifications.
Can children use this BMI calculator?
This calculator is intended for adults. BMI calculation and interpretation for children and adolescents involve different growth charts and are best done with a healthcare provider.
What should I do if my BMI is high?
If your BMI indicates overweight or obesity, consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying causes, assess your overall health, and recommend appropriate strategies for weight management and improving health outcomes.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Metric BMI CalculatorEasily calculate your Body Mass Index using kilograms and centimeters.