BMI Calculator for Men & Women 2025 – Chart & Formula
Calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Check the official BMI chart for men, women, and children. Understand what range is healthy, overweight, or obese.
BMI Calculator for Men & Women 2025 – Chart & Formula
Introduction
BMI (Body Mass Index) is the healthcare standard for screening weight categories. While not perfect, it is the quickest way to answer: "Is my weight healthy for my height?"
BMI Formula
Metric: Weight (kg) / [Height (m)]²
Imperial: 703 × Weight (lbs) / [Height (in)]²
Example:
- Weight: 160 lbs
- Height: 5'9" (69 inches)
- Calculation: 703 × 160 / (69 × 69)
- 112,480 / 4,761 = 23.6 (Normal Weight)
Adult BMI Categories
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy Weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and Above | Obesity |
Limitations of BMI
BMI is a simple math formula. It does not measure body fat directly.
- Athletes: Muscle weighs more than fat. A bodybuilder may have a "Obese" BMI despite having 8% body fat.
- Elderly: Older adults may lose muscle mass, having a "Healthy" BMI but high body fat.
- Pregnancy: BMI is not applicable during pregnancy.
BMI for Children (Percentiles)
For kids (2-19), BMI works differently. It compares them to other kids of the same age and gender (Percentiles).
- < 5th Percentile: Underweight
- 5th – 85th: Healthy Weight
- 85th – 95th: Overweight
- > 95th: Obese
FAQ
Q: Is BMI different for men and women? A: The formula is the same. However, women naturally have more body fat than men. The standard categories apply to both adults.
Q: What is a "Prime" BMI? A: A BMI Prime of 1.0 indicates you are exactly at the upper limit of healthy weight (BMI 25). Below 1.0 is healthy.
Conclusion
Use BMI as a starting point. If your numbers are high, consider measuring your waist circumference or talking to a doctor for a full health assessment.