Health
BMI Calculator: What Your Number Actually Means
What BMI is, its limitations, how to calculate it, and what the BMI categories mean for your health.
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index is calculated from height and weight. Formula: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²
BMI categories (WHO)
- Below 18.5 — Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9 — Normal / Healthy
- 25.0 – 29.9 — Overweight
- 30.0+ — Obese
Use ToolCrix BMI Calculator — supports metric and imperial, and also estimates body fat percentage and ideal weight range.
Limitations of BMI
- Muscle mass — athletes often have high BMI despite low body fat.
- Age and sex — older adults and women typically have more body fat at the same BMI.
- Ethnicity — Asian populations face higher risk at lower BMI values.
- Fat distribution — waist circumference is a better predictor of metabolic risk.
Consult a healthcare professional. BMI is a starting point, not a diagnosis.