BMI calculator
Body mass index (BMI) compares your weight to your height. It’s a quick screening number doctors use to sort weight into ranges.
To reach a BMI under 25 you’d weigh about 154 lb, which is 36 lb from where you are now.
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Under 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5–24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25–29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 and up | Obesity |
How BMI is calculated
BMI = 703 × weight in pounds ÷ height in inches squared. A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is considered a healthy weight, 25–29.9 overweight, and 30 or higher obesity.
What BMI doesn’t tell you
BMI doesn’t know how much of your weight is muscle. Very muscular people can have a high BMI and little body fat. It’s a useful starting point, but waist size and body fat percentage tell you more.
Questions
What is a healthy BMI?
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a healthy weight for most adults.
Is BMI accurate?
It’s a decent screening tool for most people but can mislabel very muscular people, older adults and some ethnic groups. Use it alongside your waist measurement and body fat percentage.
How much weight do I need to lose to lower my BMI by 1 point?
For someone about 5′6″, one BMI point is roughly 6 pounds. Taller people need to lose a bit more per point.