Body Mass Index Calculator

About the Body Mass Index

BMI is a ratio of your weight to your height.

Nearly all adults with a high BMI have extra body fat; those with a low BMI often have too little body fat.

A normal BMI for kids and teens depends on age, and is not the same for adults over age 18.

*Note: Exceptions: For persons 65 years and older the 'normal' range may begin slightly above BMI 18.5 and extend into the 'overweight' range; very muscular athletes and body builders often have high BMIs and are not overfat; children and teens, who need an age appropriate scale; and pregnant and lactating women.

**If your risk is increased, speak with your doctor about having your cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar and blood pressure levels as part of a full cardiovascular and diabetes screen.

Adapted from: World Health Organization. (2000). Obesity: Preventing and Managing the Global Epidemic: Report of a WHO Consultation on Obesity. Geneva: WHO, page 9