BMI (Body Mass Index) is a screening tool that estimates whether your weight is in a healthy range for your height — calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). This calculator accepts height in either centimetres or feet and inches and returns your BMI with the standard WHO category.

How to use: Enter your height (either in cm, or in feet and inches) and your weight in kg. For the most accurate result, weigh yourself without shoes in the morning before eating.

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess whether your weight is in a healthy range for your height.

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BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure. Consult a doctor for a full health assessment. BMI may not accurately reflect health for athletes, elderly, or pregnant women.

BMI Limitations in Pakistan's Context

BMI is a population-level screening tool, not a diagnostic measure. Research suggests South Asian populations (including Pakistanis) face increased metabolic risk at lower BMI thresholds than Western populations — health risks associated with overweight start appearing at BMI 23 rather than 25 for South Asians. Discuss your specific health situation with a doctor rather than acting solely on BMI category. BMI also doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — a physically active person may have high BMI with low health risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard WHO categories: Underweight below 18.5; Normal 18.5–24.9; Overweight 25–29.9; Obese 30+. However, for South Asians, some health bodies recommend action at BMI 23+ for overweight and 27.5+ for obesity, reflecting higher cardiometabolic risk at lower BMI in South Asian populations.

The BMI formula and WHO categories are the same for both sexes. However, healthy body fat percentage differs — women naturally carry higher fat percentage at the same BMI. This is one of the reasons BMI is considered an imperfect individual measure; body composition assessment (body fat percentage) is more informative but requires specialised equipment.

No — children's BMI is assessed against age-and-gender-specific growth charts (BMI-for-age percentiles), not adult categories. A BMI number for a child needs to be compared to the growth chart percentile for that child's age and gender. Consult a paediatrician for children's weight assessment.