BMI Calculator
Enter your height in feet and inches and your weight in pounds to find your BMI, weight category and healthy weight range.
What Is a BMI Calculator?
A BMI calculator estimates body mass index, a number that compares your weight to your height. Adults across the United States use a BMI calculator in pounds and feet to get a quick idea of whether their weight falls in a healthy range. It is simple, free and widely used by doctors as a first screening step.
BMI Formula in Pounds and Inches
BMI = 703 x weight (lb) / height (in) squared. A person who is 5 feet 8 inches (68 inches) and weighs 160 pounds has a BMI of about 24.3, which falls in the normal range.
BMI Categories for Adults
- Underweight: below 18.5
- Normal weight: 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: 25 to 29.9
- Obesity: 30 and above
These adult categories are the same for men and women. Children and teens are assessed with age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles, so this calculator is meant for adults 20 and older.
What Is a Healthy Weight for My Height?
Your healthy weight range is the weight that gives a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. For someone who is 5 feet 6 inches tall, that is roughly 115 to 154 pounds. The calculator above shows the range for your exact height.
Is BMI Accurate?
BMI is useful for large groups but it has limits. It cannot tell muscle from fat, so athletes and very muscular people can score as overweight while being healthy. It also ignores where fat is stored, age and ethnicity. Waist circumference, body fat percentage, blood pressure and blood tests give a fuller picture of health.
How to Move Toward a Healthy BMI
Small, steady changes work best: build meals around vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, move for at least 150 minutes per week as recommended for US adults, sleep seven to nine hours and avoid crash diets. If your BMI is outside the normal range, ask your doctor what is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good BMI for a woman or a man?
A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy for both women and men.
How often should I check my BMI?
Checking every few months is plenty, since healthy weight changes happen slowly.
Does BMI change with age?
The formula does not change, but body composition does. Older adults may lose muscle, so doctors often look at other measures too.
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Talk to a healthcare professional about your health.