BMI Calculator — WHO & Asian-Indian Cut-offs
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a quick screening measure of body weight relative to height. Enter your details below to get your BMI, weight category, and a healthy weight range — using either WHO global or Asian-Indian cut-offs.
Your measurements
Indian/WHO Asia-Pacific cut-offs are lower — overweight ≥23, obese ≥25.
A healthy weight for your height is 53.5–72 kg.
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI), also called the Quetelet index, estimates whether a person’s weight is healthy for their height. It is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared (kg/m²) and is the most widely used screening measure for underweight, overweight and obesity.
BMI categories
| Category | WHO (global) | Asian-Indian |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | < 18.5 |
| Normal | 18.5 – 24.9 | 18.5 – 22.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 | 23 – 24.9 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 | ≥ 25 |
Limitations to keep in mind
BMI does not measure body fat directly and cannot tell muscle from fat. Athletes may register as “overweight” despite low body fat, while older adults with reduced muscle mass may have a “normal” BMI yet excess fat. Pair BMI with waist circumference and a clinician’s assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How is BMI calculated?+
BMI equals weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared (kg/m²). For example, a person 1.70 m tall weighing 70 kg has a BMI of 70 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 24.2.
What is a healthy BMI?+
Under WHO global cut-offs, 18.5–24.9 is normal weight. For Asian-Indian populations, a healthy BMI is 18.5–22.9, with 23–24.9 considered overweight and ≥25 obese, because cardiometabolic risk rises at a lower BMI.
Why do Indians use different BMI cut-offs?+
Asian, including Indian, populations tend to have higher body fat and greater risk of diabetes and heart disease at a lower BMI. WHO Asia-Pacific and Indian (ICMR) guidelines therefore lower the overweight threshold to 23 and the obesity threshold to 25.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?+
BMI is a useful population screening tool but does not distinguish muscle from fat. It can over-estimate risk in muscular athletes and under-estimate it in older adults with low muscle mass. Use it alongside waist circumference and clinical judgement.
Is this BMI calculator free?+
Yes. It is completely free, runs entirely in your browser, and stores no data.
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