BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculator & Healthy Weight Guide
Your BMI is a simple, widely used way to estimate whether your weight is within a healthy range for your height. Use the calculator below to get your BMI instantly, then learn what the number means and how to improve it with practical tips from NutriNexas.
Free BMI Calculator
Note: BMI is a screening tool for adults and not a diagnosis. Athletic build, age, and other factors can influence interpretation.What Is BMI?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a numerical value derived from your height and weight. In metric units, the formula is weight (kg) ÷ [height (m)]². In imperial units, the formula is 703 × weight (lb) ÷ [height (in)]². The resulting number helps categorize you as underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obesity. While BMI does not measure body fat directly, it’s a practical, fast indicator for health risk screening at the population level.
BMI Categories (Adults)
- Underweight: < 18.5
- Healthy Weight: 18.5 – 24.9
- Overweight: 25.0 – 29.9
- Obesity: ≥ 30.0
How to Use Your BMI Number
Treat BMI as a starting point, not the full story. If your result is outside the healthy range, consider discussing it with a health professional, especially if you have existing conditions. Pair BMI with other measures—waist circumference, activity levels, sleep quality, and nutrition habits— to get a more complete picture. For many adults, moving toward the middle of the healthy range reduces risks tied to metabolic issues, blood pressure, and joint strain.
If you’re athletic, very muscular, or older, BMI may misclassify you. Muscle is dense and can push BMI higher without raising health risk. Likewise, loss of bone and muscle in older adults can lower BMI without guaranteeing better health. Use common sense and look at long‑term trends.
Simple Steps to Improve Your BMI
You don’t need an extreme overhaul—small, sustainable changes beat crash plans every time. Start by adjusting your plate to emphasize protein, fiber, and micronutrient‑dense foods. Pair this with regular movement and routine sleep. Over weeks and months, these habits nudge BMI in the right direction and improve energy, appetite control, and recovery.
- Prioritize Protein: Aim for a protein source at each meal to support satiety and lean mass.
- Fill Half the Plate with Plants: Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains add fiber and volume with fewer calories.
- Move Daily: Combine resistance training (2–3×/week) with brisk walking or cardio (150+ minutes/week) for best results.
- Sleep & Stress: 7–9 hours of sleep and basic stress management improve hormone balance and appetite signals.
- Track Progress: Recheck your BMI every 2–4 weeks and note how clothes fit and energy levels feel.
FAQs About BMI
Is BMI accurate?
For most adults, BMI is a useful screening tool, but it doesn’t directly measure fat or lean mass. Combine it with other indicators for context.
Should kids use BMI?
Children and teens use age‑ and sex‑specific growth charts. The calculator above is designed for adults.
How often should I check BMI?
Monthly is enough to see trends without obsessing over daily fluctuations. Focus on consistent habits.
Next Steps with NutriNexas
At NutriNexas, our mission is to make healthy choices simpler. Whether you’re optimizing protein intake, looking for daily wellness staples, or refining your weight‑management plan, explore our curated selections and guides. Pair smart nutrition, purposeful movement, and consistent habits—and let your BMI reflect those wins over time.