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How the calculation works
Here is the exact math behind your result, using your own numbers.
Muscle vs. BMI
BMI can't tell muscle from fat. Men tend to carry more muscle, so a fit, muscular man can land in the "overweight" range without carrying extra fat. Move the sliders to see two men of the same height and weight with very different bodies:
Body fat bands are based on the American Council on Exercise's general ranges.1 They're a guide, not a diagnosis. If you lift weights or play sports regularly, see BMI for athletes.
Waist size: the other number men should know
Fat around the stomach is more closely linked with heart disease and type 2 diabetes than BMI alone. For men, a waist over 40 inches (102 cm) is linked with higher risk.2 A waist-to-height ratio of 0.5 or more is another useful flag: your waist should be less than half your height.
Measure your waist at the belly button, standing, after breathing out normally.
Frequently asked questions
Is BMI calculated differently for men?
No. The formula and adult categories are the same for men and women. How to calculate BMI for women.
What is a healthy BMI for a man?
18.5 to 24.9 for adults aged 20 and over.3 Very muscular men may have a higher BMI without excess fat.
Is BMI accurate for muscular men?
Not always. If your BMI is in the overweight range but your waist is under 40 inches and your waist-to-height ratio is under 0.5, the extra weight is more likely to be muscle.
Sources
Further reading
This page is for education and is not medical advice. Talk with a healthcare professional about your weight and health.
