Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) instantly with our free, easy-to-use calculator. Enter your height, weight, age, and gender to get your BMI value, category, and ideal weight range.
Free BMI Calculator
Body Mass Index Calculator
Enter your height, weight, age, and gender to learn your BMI value
How to Use the BMI Calculator
Our BMI calculator is simple and straightforward:
- Enter your height in centimeters (cm)
- Enter your weight in kilograms (kg)
- Enter your age
- Select your gender (male or female)
- Click “Calculate BMI” to get instant results
The calculator will show you:
- Your BMI value
- Your BMI category (underweight, healthy, overweight, obese, or severely obese)
- Your ideal weight range for optimal health
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used screening tool that estimates body fat based on a person’s weight and height. It’s a simple calculation that helps assess whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.
BMI Formula: BMI = Weight (kg) / Height² (m²)
BMI provides a quick way to categorize weight status, though it doesn’t directly measure body fat or account for muscle mass, bone density, or other factors.
BMI Categories
BMI values are classified into the following categories:
- Underweight: BMI < 18.5
- Healthy (Normal): BMI 18.5 – 24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25 – 29.9
- Obese: BMI 30 – 39.9
- Severely Obese: BMI ≥ 40
How is BMI Calculated?
BMI is calculated using a simple formula that divides your weight by the square of your height:
BMI Formula: BMI = Weight (kg) / Height² (m²)
Example BMI Calculation
For example, if you weigh 75 kilograms and are 1.65 meters tall:
- First, calculate the square of your height: 1.65 × 1.65 = 2.72 m²
- Then, divide your weight by this result: 75 ÷ 2.72 = 27.5
This person’s BMI would be 27.5, which falls in the “Overweight” category.
You don’t need to do this calculation manually—our BMI calculator above does it instantly for you!
What is a Healthy BMI?
A healthy BMI range is generally considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9. This range is associated with the lowest risk of health problems for most people.
BMI Categories Table
| Weight Category | BMI Range | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | May indicate malnutrition or other health issues |
| Healthy (Normal) | 18.5 - 24.9 | Lowest health risk |
| Overweight | 25 - 29.9 | Increased risk of health problems |
| Obese | 30 - 39.9 | High risk of health complications |
| Severely Obese | ≥ 40 | Very high risk of serious health issues |
BMI for Women
The healthy BMI range for women is 18.5 - 24.9, which is the same as for men. However, women naturally tend to have a higher body fat percentage than men, which is normal and healthy.
Important considerations for women:
- Pregnancy: BMI values during pregnancy are not applicable in the same way
- Hormonal changes: Menstrual cycles, menopause, and hormonal fluctuations can affect weight
- Body composition: Women typically have more body fat and less muscle mass than men
BMI for Men
The healthy BMI range for men is also 18.5 - 24.9. Men generally have:
- Higher muscle mass than women
- Lower body fat percentage
- Different body composition even at the same BMI
Note for athletes: Men (and women) who are very muscular or athletic may have a higher BMI due to muscle mass, not fat. In these cases, BMI may not accurately reflect body fat percentage.
Important Note: BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. It doesn’t account for:
- Muscle mass (athletes may have high BMI due to muscle, not fat)
- Bone density
- Body fat distribution
- Age-related changes
- Overall body composition
For a complete health assessment, consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your overall health, body composition, and individual risk factors.
BMI and Health: Understanding the Connection
BMI and Diabetes Risk
Maintaining a healthy BMI is crucial for preventing Type 2 diabetes. Research shows that:
- High BMI (overweight/obese) significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes
- Excess weight increases insulin resistance
- Makes blood sugar control more difficult
- Negatively affects vascular health
BMI and Diabetic Foot
For people with diabetes, maintaining a healthy BMI is especially important because:
- Higher BMI increases the risk of diabetic foot complications
- Excess weight makes diabetes management more challenging
- Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of foot wounds and infections
- As BMI increases, the frequency of diabetes-related complications also increases
Managing Your Health
If you have diabetes or are at risk, consider these important steps:
- Monitor your BMI regularly using our calculator
- Keep your BMI in the healthy range (18.5-24.9) when possible
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
- Perform daily foot examinations
- Choose appropriate, well-fitting footwear
- Take any foot wounds seriously, no matter how small
Early detection and proper management of diabetes and weight can help prevent serious complications like diabetic foot.
Frequently Asked Questions About BMI
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
BMI is a useful screening tool for most people, but it may not be accurate for:
- Athletes with high muscle mass
- Elderly people who may have lost muscle mass
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Children and teenagers (different BMI charts are used)
What if my BMI is high?
If your BMI indicates you’re overweight or obese, consider:
- Consulting with a healthcare professional
- Developing a personalized weight management plan
- Making gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes
- Focusing on overall health, not just the number
Can I have a healthy BMI but still be unhealthy?
Yes. BMI doesn’t measure:
- Body fat percentage
- Muscle mass
- Fitness level
- Overall health markers
A person with a “normal” BMI might still have health issues, while someone with a higher BMI might be healthy if they’re very muscular.
Key Takeaway: BMI is a valuable tool for assessing weight status, but it’s just one piece of the health puzzle. For people with or at risk of diabetes, maintaining a healthy BMI through proper diet, exercise, and medical care can significantly reduce the risk of complications like diabetic foot.
Get Professional Help
Important Note: This BMI calculator and information are for general educational purposes only and do not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you have concerns about your weight, diabetes, or diabetic foot health, please consult with a healthcare professional.
For expert diabetic foot care and treatment, you can get detailed information from Prof. Dr. Aytaç Çetinkaya. Contact us for consultation and appointment.
