Metric formula
BMI = weight in kg ÷ (height in metres)²
Example: 70 kg and 170 cm. Height in metres is 1.70, squared is 2.89. 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.2.
Imperial formula
BMI = weight in pounds ÷ (height in inches)² × 703
Example: 154 lb and 5 ft 7 in (67 inches). 67² = 4,489. 154 ÷ 4,489 × 703 = 24.1.
What your number means
| BMI | WHO category | Indian guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.0 | Underweight | Underweight |
| 18.0 – 18.4 | Underweight | Normal |
| 18.5 – 22.9 | Normal | Normal |
| 23.0 – 24.9 | Normal | Overweight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight | Obese |
| 30 and above | Obese | Obese |
Limits of BMI
BMI does not tell fat from muscle, so muscular people can show a high BMI, and older adults can have a normal BMI with too little muscle. It also does not show where fat is stored. Waist size adds that information: for Indians, a waist above 90 cm (men) or 80 cm (women) suggests abdominal obesity.
Try it yourself. Get your own result in seconds with the free Height Weight Calculator.
Open the Height Weight CalculatorFrequently asked questions
Is BMI the same for men and women?
Yes, adults use the same formula and cut-offs; children use age- and sex-specific charts.
What is the BMI of 60 kg and 160 cm?
60 ÷ 1.60² = 23.4.
Sources
- Consensus statement on obesity for Asian Indians (Misra A. et al., 2009), summary on PubMed Central
- WHO Expert Consultation: Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations (The Lancet, 2004)
- Abdominal obesity in Indians: waist circumference cut-offs
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Written and reviewed by the editorial team at Evavel Private Limited. Found an error? Email [email protected].