BMI Calculator
Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a quick screen that relates your weight to your height. It is a useful starting point for most adults, though not a diagnosis.
Results update as you type
Nicely done — this range is linked with the lowest health risks for most adults. Keep up balanced eating and regular movement.
Your BMI vs the U.S. population
With a BMI of 24.2, you're above 22% of men in United States.
Estimated BMI distribution of U.S. adults by sex. The green band is the healthy range; the line marks your BMI.
Formulas use international (WHO) standards — healthy ranges are the same worldwide; only the units differ. The national context below uses U.S. data (CDC / NHANES).
What BMI is — and isn’t
Body Mass Index relates your weight to your height: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m). The WHO bands are: under 18.5 underweight, 18.5–24.9 healthy, 25–29.9 overweight, and 30+ obese.
It’s the most widely used screen because it’s simple and reproducible — but it doesn’t separate fat from muscle, or show where fat sits. Treat it as a starting point, not a diagnosis.
The U.S. context
In the U.S., nearly three quarters of adults are overweight or obese and the average BMI sits around 29 — already at the top of the overweight band. A healthy BMI puts you below the national average even if your percentile doesn’t look low.
Obesity has climbed from about 30% in 2000 to roughly 42% today, and severe obesity has nearly doubled.
Frequently asked questions
Is the healthy BMI range different in the U.S.?
No. The 18.5–24.9 healthy range is the WHO standard worldwide. Only the population context — the percentile — is U.S.-specific.
Does BMI work if I lift weights?
If you’re very muscular, BMI can overstate body fat. In that case, look at body-fat percentage and waist measurements instead.
Why is my percentile not very high at a healthy weight?
Because most U.S. adults carry excess weight, a healthy BMI often lands below the national average.
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This tool is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.