BMI Calculator: Discover Your Healthy Weight
Wondering where you stand? Our trusted BMI tool gives you instant, private insights into your health—used by thousands every day.
Your BMI Results
Your BMI Score
24.2
Weight Category
Normal weight
Your Place on the BMI Scale
Your Health Tips
You're in a healthy weight range!
Keep up with balanced meals.
Stay active to maintain your health.
More Tools to Explore:
BMI Calculator - Check Your Body Mass Index for India
How to Calculate Your BMI
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple way to assess if you're at a healthy weight for your height. Our calculator uses the standard formula:
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ [Height (m)]²
Example: 70 kg ÷ (1.75 m × 1.75 m) = 22.86 (Normal)
Steps:
- Enter your weight in kilograms
- Enter your height in centimeters
- Click "Calculate My BMI"
- Get instant results with category
BMI Categories for India
While WHO defines standard BMI ranges, Indian bodies have slightly different criteria due to body composition differences:
| BMI Range | WHO Category | India Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| < 18.5 | Underweight | High risk |
| 18.5 - 22.9 | Normal | Healthy (India) |
| 23 - 24.9 | Normal | Increased risk |
| 25 - 29.9 | Overweight | Moderate risk |
| ≥ 30 | Obese | High risk |
Why different for India? Research shows Indians develop diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels than Caucasians, so a BMI of 23-24.9 is considered "at-risk" in India.
BMI for Health Insurance in India
Most health insurance companies in India use BMI as a key underwriting factor:
Standard Acceptance
BMI 18.5 - 29.9
Normal premium rates
Premium Loading
BMI 30 - 34.9
10-20% extra premium
Medical Tests
BMI 35+
Tests required or declined
- BMI 24: ₹12,000/year (standard)
- BMI 32: ₹14,400/year (20% loading)
- BMI 38: Medical tests required
Real-Life Example: Mumbai Professional
Scenario:
- Rajesh, 32-year-old IT professional in Mumbai
- Weight: 85 kg
- Height: 175 cm (1.75 m)
BMI Calculation:
BMI = 85 ÷ (1.75)² = 85 ÷ 3.06 = 27.8
Category: Overweight (Moderate risk for India)
Action Required:
- Target weight: 70 kg (BMI 22.9 - healthy)
- Weight to lose: 15 kg
- Recommended: Diet control + 30 min exercise daily
- Goal timeline: 6-8 months (safe loss rate)
Frequently Asked Questions - India Specific
For Indians, a BMI between 18.5 and 22.9 is considered healthy. BMI above 23 indicates increased health risks, even though WHO considers 25+ as overweight. This is because Indians tend to have:
- Higher body fat percentage at lower BMI
- Greater risk of diabetes at BMI 23-24.9
- Increased cardiovascular risk at lower BMI levels
Standard BMI calculation doesn't factor age or gender, but healthy ranges may vary:
- Men: Naturally more muscle mass, can have slightly higher BMI
- Women: May have higher body fat %, but same BMI ranges apply
- Seniors (60+): BMI 23-27 may be acceptable due to muscle loss
No, BMI doesn't differentiate muscle from fat. Bodybuilders often have high BMI despite low body fat. Instead, use:
- Body fat percentage - More accurate for athletes
- Waist-to-height ratio - Good alternative metric
- DEXA scan - Gold standard for body composition
Most premium gyms (Cult.fit, Gold's Gym, Fitness First) require BMI check during enrollment for personalized workout plans, but don't reject based on BMI. They use it to:
- Design appropriate workout intensity
- Set realistic fitness goals
- Track progress over time
- Recommend suitable group classes
BMI requirements for Indian defense services:
- Indian Army: BMI 18-25 (varies by age/gender)
- Indian Navy: BMI 19-25
- Indian Air Force: BMI 18.5-25
- NDA: BMI 20-25 (for entry)
Candidates outside this range may be disqualified during medical examination.
Your Friendly Guide to Understanding BMI
What’s BMI All About?
Think of BMI (Body Mass Index) as a quick snapshot of your weight in relation to your height. It’s a simple tool doctors use to get a sense of whether you’re in a healthy weight range or if you might be underweight, overweight, or obese. You just divide your weight (in kilograms) by the square of your height (in meters). Easy, right? Our calculator does all the math for you in a snap!
How to calculate BMI manually
Want to calculate your BMI without a tool? Here’s how it works:
Using metric units:
BMI = your weight (kg) ÷ (height in meters × height in meters)
Using imperial units:
BMI = (703 × your weight in pounds) ÷ (height in inches × height in inches)
No need to grab a calculator, though—our tool handles it instantly!
What Your BMI Number Means
Your BMI falls into one of these categories, each with different health implications:
| BMI Range | Category | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | You might need more nutrients or have a higher risk of certain health issues. |
| 18.5–24.9 | Normal weight | You’re in the sweet spot with the lowest risk of weight-related health problems. |
| 25–29.9 | Overweight | Slightly higher chance of health issues, like heart disease or diabetes. |
| 30 and above | Obese | Increased risk for serious conditions—time to chat with a doctor. |
Why Your BMI Matters
Your BMI isn’t just a number—it’s a clue about your overall health. Keeping it in a healthy range can lower your chances of running into problems like:
Heart Health
A higher BMI can bump up your risk of heart disease by up to 40%.
Diabetes Risk
Being overweight triples your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Breathing Issues
Higher BMI is linked to a 50% greater chance of respiratory problems.
Is BMI Really Accurate?
BMI is a great starting point, but it’s not the whole story. Here’s what you should know about its strengths and quirks:
If you’re a gym buff with lots of muscle, BMI might overestimate your weight status. Muscle weighs more than fat, so a ripped athlete could have a high BMI but be super healthy. Try our body fat calculator for a clearer picture.
Absolutely. As we age, we lose muscle and bone density, so a slightly higher BMI (like 23–27) might be healthier for folks over 65. Our calculator adjusts for this if you enter your age.
The BMI formula is the same, but women naturally carry more body fat (10–13% vs. 2–5% for men). That’s why our tool offers tailored tips if you share your gender—it helps us give advice that fits you better.
Frequently Asked Questions About BMI
We get it—BMI can raise a lot of questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones we hear:
For most adults (18–65), a BMI of 18.5–24.9 is considered healthy. But there are some nuances:
- Older adults (65+): A BMI of 23–27 might be better due to natural changes in muscle and bone.
- Asian populations: Some experts suggest a lower cutoff (23 for overweight) for better accuracy.
- Athletes: Muscle mass can push BMI higher, even if you’re fit.
If you’re active and muscular, a high BMI might just reflect your muscle, not fat. Here’s how to double-check:
- Waist-to-height ratio: Your waist should be less than half your height.
- Body fat tests: Tools like skinfold calipers or DEXA scans measure fat directly.
- Fitness markers: If you’re strong and energetic, that’s a great sign.
- Blood tests: Check cholesterol or blood sugar for a full health picture.
If those look good, your high BMI is probably no big deal.
Whether you’re looking to lose or gain weight, slow and steady wins the race. Here’s how:
To Lower BMI (Weight Loss):
- Aim to lose 1–2 pounds per week.
- Mix cardio (like walking) with strength training.
- Eat more veggies and whole foods, less processed stuff.
- Practice mindful eating—savor your meals!
- Get 7–9 hours of sleep to keep your metabolism happy.
To Raise BMI (Weight Gain):
- Choose nutrient-packed foods, not junk food.
- Lift weights to build muscle, not just fat.
- Eat smaller, frequent meals throughout the day.
- Add healthy fats like avocados or nuts.
- Check with a doctor if gaining weight is tough.
For kids and teens, BMI is interpreted differently because their bodies are still growing. Doctors use BMI percentiles based on age and gender, comparing a child’s BMI to others their age. If you’re checking for a child, consult a pediatrician or use a kid-specific BMI tool for accurate results.
BMI isn’t the best tool during pregnancy since weight gain is normal and healthy for both mom and baby. Instead, doctors track weight gain based on your pre-pregnancy BMI. Talk to your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on healthy pregnancy weight.
Some health conditions, like thyroid disorders or fluid retention, can affect your weight and BMI. If you have a medical condition, BMI alone might not tell the full story. Pair it with other health checks and talk to your doctor for a complete picture.
It depends on your goals! If you’re maintaining a healthy weight, checking every few months is plenty. If you’re working on weight loss or gain, monthly checks can help track progress. Just don’t obsess over the number—focus on how you feel and other health markers too.