Supplied by BMI Calculator India
1. What is the Body Mass Index (BMI)?
The body mass index occasionally called the Quetelet index, is a value taken from a person’s height and weight. It is also determined via a BMI chart table and is an attempt to quantify the level of tissue mass (comprised of bone, fat, and muscle) in a person.
The result is used to determine if that individual is obese, overweight, normal weight or underweight depending on where they fall within the BMI category ranges.
1.1 How is BMI Calculated?
The body mass index formula is easy to determine. It’s a simple calculation that takes into account your weight and height.
- The imperial BMI formula = Weight (LBS) x 703 ÷ Height (Inches²)
- The metric BMI formula = Weight (KG) ÷ Height (Metres²)
If you wish to calculate your BMI using the imperial system, here’s the height and weight conversion figures:
- 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds
- 1 foot = 12 inches
- 1 inch = 2.54 centimetres
1.2 Body Mass Index Categories
Technically, the BMI scale will place you in one of six categories. The table below lists the BMI categories along with the BMI score associated with each category.
| Classification | Body Mass Index Score |
|---|---|
| Underweight | less than 18.5 |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obesity (Class 1) | 30 – 34.9 |
| Obesity (Class 2) | 35 – 39.9 |
| Extreme Obesity (Class 3) | 40+ |
The following body mass index chart allows you to manually get your BMI score and includes a classification of the BMI category you reside within.
