Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI)

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The most common way to find out whether you're overweight or obese is to figure out your body mass index (BMI).

To calculate your BMI, enter your height and weight into the calculator and compare your results with the General BMI Guidelines.

General BMI Guidelines

18.5 to 24.9: Normal Weight
25 to 29.9: Overweight
30 and above: Obese

What is BMI?

Your Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a measure of your weight in relation to your height. BMI is an estimate of body fat, and it's a good gauge of your risk for diseases that occur with more body fat.

How is it used?

BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems for adults. However, BMI is not a diagnostic tool and does have some limits.

It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build. BMI also may underestimate body fat in older people and others who have lost muscle.

It is also important to remember that weight is only one factor related to health risk. If you have questions or concerns about the appropriateness of your weight or your health in general, you should discuss with your health care provider.

Are BMIs applicable to everyone?

BMI scores apply only to adults, both men and women. BMI scores for children and teens are a different matter. You should discuss those with a pediatrician or your family physician.