What is BMI? Meaning, Formula, Chart & Examples

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple calculation used to measure whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height. It helps categorize individuals into different weight ranges such as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.

Simple Definition

BMI Formula

The standard formula for BMI is:

This means you divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters.

Example Calculation

Weight: 70 kg

Height: 1.75 m

• Height² = 1.75 × 1.75 = 3.06
• BMI = 70 ÷ 3.06 = 22.87
• BMI = 22.9 (Normal range)

BMI Categories

Why BMI is Important

• Helps identify healthy weight range
• Used in medical and fitness assessments
• Indicates risk of diseases
• Guides diet and exercise planning

Limitations of BMI

While BMI is useful, it has some limitations:

• Does not measure body fat directly
• Does not distinguish between muscle and fat
• May not be accurate for athletes

Use BMI Calculator

Instead of manual calculation, you can quickly calculate your BMI using our free tool:

Conclusion

BMI is a simple and widely used method to check if your weight is healthy for your height. While it may not be perfect, it is a good starting point for understanding your overall fitness.