BMI Calculator
Calculate BMI from weight and height with both WHO and Indian/Asian cutoffs.
BMI calculator computes Body Mass Index from weight and height. Enter weight in kg or lbs and height in cm or feet. Get your BMI number, weight category, and ideal weight range. The tool shows both WHO standard cutoffs and the lower Asian thresholds recommended by ICMR. For South Asians, overweight starts at BMI 23 rather than 25. Free, no signup required.
Enables accurate US Navy body fat %, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio.
Your BMI
24.2
Normal weightBMI Categories
| Category | WHO (Standard) | Asian / Indian |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | < 18.5 |
| Normal weight | 18.5 – 24.9 | 18.5 – 22.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 | 23 – 27.4 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 | ≥ 27.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I calculate my BMI?
- BMI = weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Take someone weighing 70 kg at 170 cm. BMI = 70 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 24.2. Enter your weight and height in the calculator and the result appears instantly.
- What is a normal BMI for Indians?
- ICMR and WHO Asia-Pacific guidelines recommend lower BMI thresholds for Indians and other South Asians. Normal BMI for Indians is 18.5 to 22.9. BMI 23 to 27.4 is overweight. BMI 27.5 and above is obese. The WHO standard uses 25 as the overweight threshold, which underestimates risk for the Indian population.
- What is a healthy BMI for women in India?
- Using Indian/Asian cutoffs, a healthy BMI for women in India is 18.5 to 22.9. BMI 23 and above indicates overweight by ICMR guidelines. Waist circumference above 80 cm additionally signals central obesity regardless of BMI. Women with a normal BMI but high waist circumference still carry elevated risk for diabetes and heart disease.
- What is the ideal weight for 5 feet 4 inches height?
- 5 feet 4 inches equals 162.6 cm. Using Asian cutoffs (BMI 18.5-22.9), the ideal weight range for this height is approximately 48.8 to 60.6 kg. At WHO cutoffs (BMI 18.5-24.9), the range extends to 65.8 kg. The lower Asian range is more relevant for assessing health risk in Indians.
- Is BMI accurate for Indians?
- BMI underestimates obesity risk for South Asians. Indians carry more body fat at lower BMI values compared to Europeans. A BMI of 25 corresponds to higher insulin resistance and visceral fat in Indians than in Europeans. ICMR recommends using 23 as the overweight threshold specifically for Indians and other South Asians.
- Can I have a normal BMI and still be overweight?
- Yes. BMI does not measure fat distribution. Central obesity, where fat accumulates around the abdomen, carries high health risk even at a normal BMI. A waist above 90 cm for Indian men or 80 cm for Indian women indicates central obesity regardless of BMI. A muscular person can also show a high BMI without excess fat.
What is BMI Calculator?
BMI calculator computes Body Mass Index from weight and height. BMI is a number derived from those two measurements and used as a screening tool to identify weight categories. The tool shows both WHO standard cutoffs and the lower Asian and Indian thresholds recommended by ICMR.
All calculations run in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
How does it work?
Enter weight in kilograms or pounds and height in centimetres or feet and inches. The formula is BMI = weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. A person weighing 70 kg at 170 cm has BMI = 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.2.
WHO classifies BMI below 18.5 as underweight, 18.5-24.9 as normal, 25-29.9 as overweight, and 30 or above as obese. ICMR and WHO Asia-Pacific guidelines recommend lower thresholds for Indians. BMI above 23 is treated as overweight and BMI above 27.5 as obese for the Indian population.
The tool also shows the ideal weight range for your height based on Asian cutoffs: BMI 18.5 to 22.9.
When should you use BMI Calculator?
BMI serves as a starting point for assessing weight-related health risk. Health insurance providers in India use BMI during underwriting. A BMI above 30 can attract a loading premium or require additional medical tests before a policy is issued. Knowing your BMI before applying helps set expectations.
School and workplace wellness programs increasingly track BMI. Annual health checks at corporate hospitals routinely include BMI measurement alongside blood sugar and lipid panels.
BMI has known limitations. A muscular person may show a high BMI without excess fat. An older person with low muscle mass may show a normal BMI despite excess visceral fat. Doctors call this sarcopenic obesity. BMI is a screening indicator, not a diagnosis.
Waist circumference gives a more direct measure of central obesity. ICMR guidelines flag risk above 90 cm for men and 80 cm for women, regardless of BMI. Using both measurements together gives a better picture than either alone.
Tips to get the best results
- For the Indian population, use the Asian cutoffs as the primary reference. Overweight starts at BMI 23, not 25, for South Asians.
- Measure waist circumference alongside BMI. A waist above 90 cm for men or 80 cm for women signals central obesity even at a normal BMI.
- For children and teenagers under 18, adult BMI categories do not apply. Use age- and sex-specific BMI percentile charts instead.
- Consult a doctor before making significant dietary or exercise changes based on BMI alone. Blood sugar, lipid profile, and blood pressure together give a fuller picture.