BMI Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is BMI and how is it calculated?+
  BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m²). Example: 170 cm, 70 kg → BMI = 70 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 24.2, which is Normal. It is a quick screening tool based only on height and weight — it does not directly measure body fat percentage.
• What is a normal BMI range?+
  Standard WHO ranges: Underweight <18.5 · Normal 18.5–24.9 · Overweight 25–29.9 · Obese Class I 30–34.9 · Obese Class II 35–39.9 · Obese Class III ≥40. For Indians, many health guidelines recommend lower cut-offs: overweight at BMI ≥23 and obese at ≥27.5, because South Asians carry more metabolic risk at the same BMI as Western populations.
• Is BMI accurate for Indians?+
  Standard BMI cut-offs were developed on Western populations. Research consistently shows South Asians have higher body fat and greater metabolic risk at the same BMI. The Indian consensus recommends overweight at BMI ≥23 and obesity at ≥27.5. Abdominal fat (waist circumference) is an additional risk marker — a waist above 90 cm in men or 80 cm in women is considered high risk in India.
• What are the limitations of BMI?+
  BMI cannot distinguish muscle from fat. Athletes may show 'overweight' BMI despite low body fat. Older adults may show 'normal' BMI despite high body fat due to muscle loss. BMI also ignores where fat is stored — belly fat is far more harmful than fat on the hips. For a fuller picture, measure waist circumference and get a body fat test.
• How do I calculate BMI in Excel?+
  If height in cm is in A2 and weight in kg is in B2: =B2/(A2/100)^2. To get the category in C2: =IF(C2<18.5,"Underweight",IF(C2<25,"Normal",IF(C2<30,"Overweight","Obese"))). Replace C2 with the cell containing your BMI formula.
• How much weight do I need to lose to reach a normal BMI?+
  Enter your height and weight above and press Calculate BMI. The result shows your healthy weight range (BMI 18.5–24.9 for your height) and exactly how many kg you need to lose or gain. For example, if you are 170 cm, the healthy range is 53.5–72.0 kg.