Body Mass Index (BMI) Adult Calculator
Calculate adult BMI, clinical weight categories, and WHO body composition health risk classifications.
About Adult Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a standardized screening metric designed by Adolphe Quetelet to categorize adult mass relative to stature across clinical populations.
Formula
BMI = Weight (kg) / [Height (m)]2
Worked Example
For an adult measuring 175 cm (1.75 m) and weighing 72 kg: BMI = 72 / (1.75 × 1.75) = 23.51 kg/m² (Normal Weight).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a normal adult BMI?
The World Health Organization defines normal adult weight as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m².
Does BMI measure visceral adiposity directly?
No. BMI does not differentiate between dense skeletal muscle mass, bone density, and visceral adipose tissue.
Why do Asian populations utilize lower BMI cutoffs?
Clinical data demonstrates elevated cardiovascular risk at lower BMI thresholds (overweight defined at ≥ 23 kg/m²).
Is BMI alone diagnostic for health?
No. It serves as an epidemiological risk indicator and should be paired with waist circumference and blood panels.
Calculate in three steps
- 1Enter your valuesUse the fields above and check the units shown beside each input.
- 2Run the calculationSelect Calculate to refresh the result with your latest values.
- 3Review or shareCompare the result, reset the form, print it, or share this page.