165 cm, 60 kg
- Convert height to meters: 165 ÷ 100 = 1.65 m
- Square it: 1.65 × 1.65 = 2.7225
- Divide weight by that: 60 ÷ 2.7225 = 22.04
BMI 22.0 · Healthy weight
On this page
How your BMI was calculated
Here is the exact math behind your result, using your own numbers.
Find yourself on the BMI chart
Every height and weight has a BMI. Drag the dot to see how your BMI changes, or tap anywhere on the chart.
- Underweight
- Healthy
- Overweight
- Obesity 1
- Obesity 2
- Obesity 3
Calculate BMI your way
The formula never changes, but the units and what the result means can. Pick the guide that fits you.
For womenSame formula, plus body-fat, waist and pregnancy context
For menWhy muscle can push BMI up, and waist risk
For kids and teensPercentiles by age and sex on a growth chart
In cm and kgMetric steps with worked examples
In pounds and inchesWhere the 703 comes from
By handLong division and mental-math shortcuts
In Excel or SheetsCopy-paste formulas and a tracker template
In stones and poundsFor UK weights
How to calculate BMI with height and weight: 3 worked examples
5 ft 10 in, 190 lb
- Height in inches: 5 × 12 + 10 = 70 in
- Square it: 70 × 70 = 4,900
- Weight × 703: 190 × 703 = 133,570
- Divide: 133,570 ÷ 4,900 = 27.26
BMI 27.3 · Overweight
5 ft 4 in, 11 st 2 lb
- Weight in pounds: 11 × 14 + 2 = 156 lb
- Height in inches: 5 × 12 + 4 = 64 in, squared = 4,096
- Weight × 703: 156 × 703 = 109,668
- Divide: 109,668 ÷ 4,096 = 26.77
BMI 26.8 · Overweight
Metric vs. imperial: which formula should you use?
Use whichever units you measured in. Both formulas give the same BMI, because the 703 is the conversion between them. One pound is 0.4536 kg and one inch is 0.0254 m, so 0.4536 ÷ 0.0254² ≈ 703.07, rounded to 703.
Mixed units? If you know your height in feet but your weight in kilograms, type both into the calculator's free-text box, or use the unit converter.
What your BMI number means
These categories apply to adults aged 20 and over.1
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 – 34.9 | Obesity class 1 |
| 35 – 39.9 | Obesity class 2 |
| 40 and above | Obesity class 3 |
Some guidelines use lower cutoffs for people of Asian descent (23 for overweight, 27.5 for obesity).2 Learn about Asian BMI.
Common mistakes when calculating BMI
- Forgetting to square your height. 65 ÷ 1.70 = 38.2, which is wrong. You need 65 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 22.5.
- Using centimeters instead of meters. 65 ÷ 170² gives 0.0022. Convert 170 cm to 1.70 m first.
- Using 703 with kilograms. The 703 factor is only for pounds and inches.
- Treating 5'7" as 5.7 feet. 5 ft 7 in is 67 inches, or 5.58 feet.
- Using adult categories for children. Under 20, BMI is compared with others of the same age and sex. See how percentiles work.
What BMI can and can't tell you
Useful for
- A quick, free screening number
- Tracking change over time
- Comparing groups of people
Doesn't measure
- Muscle versus fat
- Where fat is stored (waist size matters)
- Differences by age, sex and ethnicity
Read more about BMI's limitations · Check your waist-to-height ratio
Is BMI the right measure for you?
Standard adult BMI fits most people, but tick anything below that applies to you to see whether another guide suits you better.
Standard adult BMI is a reasonable place to start.
It’s a quick screen, not a diagnosis. Adding your waist size gives a fuller picture.
Use BMI-for-age percentiles, not adult categories.
Children’s and teens’ BMI is compared with others of the same age and sex.
Use your BMI from before pregnancy.
BMI during pregnancy isn’t interpreted with adult categories; your pre-pregnancy BMI sets your weight-gain range.
BMI may overstate body fat for you.
Muscle is dense, so a high BMI can be mostly muscle. Add a body-fat or waist measure.
The healthiest BMI range may be a little higher.
In people over 65, a BMI in the mid-to-high 20s is linked with the lowest risk, and weight loss matters more.
Lower cutoffs may apply to you.
Health risks start at a lower BMI for many people of Asian descent and some other backgrounds.
Adjust your weight before calculating.
BMI needs your estimated weight with the missing limb included.
Frequently asked questions
Is BMI calculated differently for women and men?
No. The formula is the same for everyone: weight divided by height squared. What can differ is how the result relates to body fat, since women typically carry more body fat than men at the same BMI. How to calculate BMI for women · for men.
How do I calculate BMI in pounds and inches?
Multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide by your height in inches squared. For 150 lb and 67 in: 150 × 703 = 105,450, and 105,450 ÷ 4,489 = 23.5. Full imperial guide.
How do you calculate BMI for kids?
The math is the same, but the result is compared with children of the same age and sex using CDC growth charts. The answer is a percentile, not an adult category. Kids and teens BMI calculator.
What is a healthy BMI?
For adults, 18.5 to 24.9.13 Use the calculator above to see the healthy weight range for your height.
Can I calculate BMI without a calculator?
Yes. Square your height, then divide your weight by that number using long division. See the by-hand method and shortcuts.
Sources
Further reading
Kept up to dateLast updated October 9, 2026
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This page is for education and is not medical advice. Talk with a healthcare professional about your weight and health.