Body mass index, also known as BMI, is a calculation that uses your height and weight. The BMI is most useful when you measure it in metric units, since these are the units that references for BMI values typically use.
The World Health Organization, or WHO, provides BMI values that allow you to determine your weight classification from your BMI. Healthcare workers typically perform this procedure as a preliminary screening method to identify individuals who may be overweight.
Step 1
Measure your height with a tape measure to obtain your height in inches. Multiply this value by 0.0254 to get your height in meters. Assume that your height is 71in. Your height is therefore 71 × 0.0254 = 1.8m.
Step 2
Measure your weight with a bathroom scale to obtain your weight in pounds. Divide this value by 2.2 to get your weight in kilograms. Assume that your weight is 189lbs. Your weight is therefore 189 / 2.2 = 85.9kg.
Step 3
Calculate your BMI in metric units with the equation BMI = weight / (height × height) where weight is in units of kilograms and height is in units of meters. Assume your weight is 85.9kg and your height is 1.8m for this example. Your BMI in metric units is therefore 85.9 / (1.8 × 1.8) = 26.5 kg/m^2.
Step 4
Evaluate your weight classification based on your BMI by using the WHO BMI charts. A BMI between 18.5 and 25 kg/m^2 is normal, a BMI between 25 and 30 kg/m^2 indicates pre-obesity, and a BMI>30 kg/m^2 indicates obesity. The BMI is 26.5 kg/m^2 for this example, which falls within the pre-obesity range.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Bathroom scale
- Calculator
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