SmartCalcs

BMI Calculator

Check your Body Mass Index and find your healthy weight range.

Your Measurements

ft
in
lbs

Your BMI is

23.6

Normal weight

Healthy Weight Range

For your height of 5'9", a normal weight range would be between:

125.3 lbs—168.6 lbs

CDC BMI Categories

UnderweightBelow 18.5
Normal weight18.5 – 24.9
Overweight25.0 – 29.9
Obese30.0 and Above

* BMI is a screening measure and is not intended to diagnose disease or illness. It does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Athletes or highly muscular individuals may have a high BMI but low body fat.

Why BMI Matters

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your heart health. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness, which can lead to health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

Limitations of BMI

While BMI is a useful screening tool for most people, it has some limitations:

• Muscle Mass: It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
• Older Adults: It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle.
• Pregnancy: BMI is not accurate for pregnant women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. It is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.

Q. Is BMI accurate for athletes?

Not always. BMI does not distinguish between excess fat, muscle, or bone mass. Highly trained athletes may have a high BMI because of increased muscularity rather than increased body fatness.

Q. What is a healthy BMI?

According to the CDC and WHO, a healthy BMI range for adults is between 18.5 and 24.9.