Understanding Your BMI Calculation

Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a calculation that uses your height and weight to provide a general weight-to-height measurement. It is commonly used as a simple screening tool and can help place an adult BMI into standard weight categories.

BMI is useful because it provides a quick, consistent calculation, but it does not directly measure body fat, muscle mass, bone structure, or overall health. For that reason, your BMI number is best viewed as one piece of information rather than a complete assessment of your health.
 

Why Use a BMI Calculator?

A BMI calculator makes it easy to calculate your BMI without working through the formula yourself. By entering your height and weight, you can quickly see your estimated BMI and the category associated with that result.

It can also be useful for tracking how your BMI changes when your weight changes. However, people with the same BMI can have very different body compositions, so BMI should not be used by itself to diagnose a health condition or determine whether a particular weight is appropriate for you.
 

Simple Example

Suppose an adult is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. Entering those measurements into a BMI calculator produces a BMI of approximately 24.2.

The calculator provides a quick way to see the mathematical relationship between height and weight. The result can provide general context, but individual factors that BMI does not measure may also be important when considering health and wellness.

disclaimer if you already have one. Something simple such as: “This calculator is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.”