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Diet Weight Management
Health Diet GuidePopular Diet PlansHealthy Weight ResourcesHealthy Eating Nutrition Vitamins and NutrientsUnderstanding FatsCalorie CountingBest Worst Choices View Full Guide BMIYour Waist SizeHealthy Weight Plan BMI Calculator Healthy Weight Plan Body mass index (BMI) estimates how healthy your weight is based on your height. There s no perfect weight that fits everyone, but BMI can help most adults understand their weight-related health risks. BMI is calculated for both men and women by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. 
BMI Calculator Submit your height and weight to calculate your BMI. Complete optional fields below to learn more about your waist size, health risks, and steps to reach your weight goals. *Required - Please complete these fields first Height ft in Weight lbs Calculate 
Your Waist Size*BMI Required - Please fill out all fields first SexMaleFemale
No data
Waist Size in Hip Size in optional Calculate
Measure your waist at the smallest point and your hips at the widest. 
Healthy Weight Plan*BMI Required - Please fill out all fields first SexMaleFemaleNo data
Age Yrs Activity LevelNot ActiveLightly ActiveModerately ActiveVery ActiveExtremely ActiveNo data
Weight GoalLose WeightMaintain WeightGain WeightNo data
Calculate Learn about steps you can take to reach your weight goals, including diet and exercise tips and treatment options. About BMI What Does My BMI Number Mean?Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of your weight relative to your height.
For all men and women 20 years old and older, the BMI measurement is classified into one of four main weight categories:
Below 18.5: Underweight 18.5 – 24.9: Healthy Weight 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight 30.0 and above: ObesityPeople of Asian descent may have greater health risks at a lower BMI. People in this group may be placed in the overweight range if their BMI is between 23 and 25 and may have obesity if their BMI is 25 or greater.
BMI is calculated differently for kids. For children and teens under age 20, BMI is a percentile ranking that compares children of the same age and sex. This is because a child’s body fat makeup differs between boys and girls and changes often as they grow. There are four percentile rankings:
Less than 5th percentile: Underweight 5th percentile to less than 85th percentile: Healthy weight 85th percentile to less than 95th percentile: Overweight Equal to or greater than the 95th percentile: Obesity What Does My BMI Measurement Not Tell Me?BMI is a screening tool that can let you know if you may be at risk for weight-related health problems. But because it doesn’t directly measure fat, there are some important things it can’t take into account :
Where your body fat is located: Maybe the most important thing that a BMI measurement can’t tell is where you’re storing fat in your body. Subcutaneous fat is just under your skin – it’s the fat you can see. But visceral (or abdominal) fat settles around your organs and has the greatest impact on your health. A high amount of this type of fat raises your risk for diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and other serious health problems.
Age: Body fat as a percentage of total body weight begins to go up around age 30.
Sex: At the same BMI, women (or people assigned female at birth) have about 10% more body fat than men (or people assigned male at birth).
Race/ethnic group: Different races or ethnic groups can have differences in body makeup at the same BMI. This includes such things as bone density, percentage of body fat, and overall body size.
Muscle mass: BMI is a measure of relative weight compared to height. It doesn’t measure how much of your weight is made up of muscle. A person with more muscle tissue as a percentage of body weight can have the same BMI as someone with more body fat.
Pregnancy: You shouldn’t use a BMI measurement to see if you’re at a healthy weight while you’re pregnant. Talk to your doctor about the weight range that is right for you at this time.
How to Use Your BMI RangeA BMI range tells you if you’re in a certain weight category. Compared to other tests your doctor can perform, it’s an effective measure of whether that weight category may increase your risk of certain serious health problems.
But taken alone, it doesn’t mean that you’re “fat” or “skinny.” It can’t tell you if you’re healthy or not or diagnose you with any condition. Talk with your doctor about your weight and your BMI. They can help you understand it as part of the bigger picture of your health as an individual and make decisions that are right for you.
Glossary
BMI CalculatorA number doctors use to help judge your risk of illness. Body fat isn’t measured.
Waist-to-Height RatioHelps describe your body shape and could warn of health problems.
MetabolismThe process in your body that turns calories into energy.
Daily Calorie TargetThe net number of calories your body needs to meet your weight goal.
Target Heart RateHow fast your heart should beat when you re getting a good workout. Did you find this article helpful? Sources Update History Share
SOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians: "Healthy Ways to Gain Weight if You're Underweight."
Baker Heart Diabetes Institute: “Why Your Waist-to-Height Ratio is a Good Measure of Health.”
The BMJ: “Advise Adults to Keep Waist Size to Less Than Half Their Height, Says NICE.”
CDC: "Defining Adult Overweight Obesity," "Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity," "Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight," “Target Heart Rate and Estimated Maximum Heart Rate.”
Cleveland Clinic: "High-Calorie Snacks for When You Need to Gain Weight."
Familydoctor.org: "Healthy Ways to Gain Weight if You're Underweight."
Harvard Medical School: "How Much Protein Do You Need Every Day?"
Mayo Clinic: “Apple and Pear Body Shapes,” “Exercise Intensity: How to Measure It,” “What’s a Good Way to Gain Weight if You’re Underweight?” "Mayo Clinic Minute: Which is Better for Losing Weight – Diet or Exercise?" "Weight Loss: Feel Full on Fewer Calories," "Assessing Protein Needs for Performance," "What's a Good Way to Gain Weight if You're Underweight?"
New York-Presbyterian: “Body Fat Distribution.”
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "Are You at a Healthy Weight?" "Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk."
Obesity Medicine Association: "Shifting from 'Morbid Obesity' to 'Class III Obesity.' "
Office on Women's Health: "Underweight."
Penn Medicine: "Who Is a Candidate for Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery."
UT Southwestern Medical Center: "Why Belly Fat Is Dangerous and How to Control it."
U.S. Department of Agriculture: "Dietary Guidelines for Americans."
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: 2nd Edition.”
How we keep our content up to date:Our medical and editorial staff closely follow the health news cycle, new research, drug approvals, clinical practice guidelines and other developments to ensure our content receives appropriate and timely updates.
October 13, 2024Medically Reviewed by: Brunilda Nazario, MD View privacy policy, copyright and trust info ShareView privacy policy, copyright and trust info Medically Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD on October 13, 2024
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.
You should always speak with your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before you start or change any weight management or physical activity plan. This tool is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Never stop or delay seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Other Health Management Tools
Food CalculatorTally up the calories, fat, carbs, protein and more in over 37,000 foods and drinks, from homemade and store-bought fare to menu items from popular chain restaurants.
Exercise CalculatorThe WebMD Exercise Calculator helps you estimate how many calories you burn doing common activities and exercises including jogging, walking, and grocery shopping.
JumpStart by WebMDWhether your goal is to build strength, lose weight or just stay in shape, find health and fitness information here to help you achieve a healthy lifestyle.You should always speak with your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before you start or change any weight management or physical activity plan. This tool is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Never stop or delay seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.SourcesUpdate HistoryShareSOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians: "Healthy Ways to Gain Weight if You're Underweight."
Baker Heart Diabetes Institute: “Why Your Waist-to-Height Ratio is a Good Measure of Health.”
The BMJ: “Advise Adults to Keep Waist Size to Less Than Half Their Height, Says NICE.”
CDC: "Defining Adult Overweight Obesity," "Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity," "Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight," “Target Heart Rate and Estimated Maximum Heart Rate.”
Cleveland Clinic: "High-Calorie Snacks for When You Need to Gain Weight."
Familydoctor.org: "Healthy Ways to Gain Weight if You're Underweight."
Harvard Medical School: "How Much Protein Do You Need Every Day?"
Mayo Clinic: “Apple and Pear Body Shapes,” “Exercise Intensity: How to Measure It,” “What’s a Good Way to Gain Weight if You’re Underweight?” "Mayo Clinic Minute: Which is Better for Losing Weight – Diet or Exercise?" "Weight Loss: Feel Full on Fewer Calories," "Assessing Protein Needs for Performance," "What's a Good Way to Gain Weight if You're Underweight?"
New York-Presbyterian: “Body Fat Distribution.”
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "Are You at a Healthy Weight?" "Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk."
Obesity Medicine Association: "Shifting from 'Morbid Obesity' to 'Class III Obesity.' "
Office on Women's Health: "Underweight."
Penn Medicine: "Who Is a Candidate for Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery."
UT Southwestern Medical Center: "Why Belly Fat Is Dangerous and How to Control it."
U.S. Department of Agriculture: "Dietary Guidelines for Americans."
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: 2nd Edition.”
View privacy policy, copyright and trust info ShareView privacy policy, copyright and trust info Medically Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD on October 13, 2024
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.
You should always speak with your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before you start or change any weight management or physical activity plan. This tool is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Never stop or delay seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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