BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) instantly. Check your weight category with a visual gauge. Supports metric (kg/cm) and imperial (lbs/ft).
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| <18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5–24.9 | Normal weight ✓ |
| 25–29.9 | Overweight |
| 30–34.9 | Obese I |
| 35+ | Obese II/III |
Why BMI Matters and How to Interpret Your Score
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool to assess weight status. It helps you understand whether you are underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight or obese — which in turn indicates risk levels for conditions like diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. For Indian adults, some research suggests a lower BMI threshold (23 instead of 25) indicates overweight due to differences in body composition. Our free BMI calculator supports both metric (kg/cm) and imperial (lbs/ft) units and includes a visual gauge for instant interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the normal BMI range for adults in India? ▼
The WHO defines 18.5–24.9 as normal weight. However, for South Asians including Indians, experts recommend a lower healthy range of 18.5–22.9 as body fat percentage tends to be higher at the same BMI compared to Western populations.
Is BMI 27 considered overweight for Indian women? ▼
Yes. A BMI of 27 falls in the overweight category (25–29.9) by WHO standards. For Indian women, a BMI above 23 may already indicate elevated health risk. Consult a doctor for personalised guidance.
How to calculate BMI manually? ▼
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m). Example: 70 kg ÷ (1.70 m × 1.70 m) = 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.2 BMI. Our calculator does this instantly in both metric and imperial units.
What BMI is considered obese in India? ▼
BMI ≥ 30 is classified as obese by WHO. For Indians, some guidelines lower this to BMI ≥ 27.5 as the obesity threshold due to higher risk of metabolic disease at lower BMI values.
Can BMI be inaccurate? ▼
Yes. BMI does not account for muscle mass, bone density or fat distribution. Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI but low body fat. It is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure.
What is a healthy weight for 5 feet 4 inch woman India? ▼
At 5'4" (162.5 cm), a healthy BMI of 18.5–22.9 corresponds to approximately 49–60 kg. Use our BMI calculator for an instant result with your exact height.