The body mass index, or BMI, is a measure of body composition widely used to classify your risk of disease. BMI compares your weight to your height, though it must be used with caution if you are quite muscular. An elite sprinter will have a higher BMI but lower percentage of body fat compared to his sedentary counterpart of the same height and is at a lower risk for chronic disease. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, if your BMI is 26 or greater you are at risk for developing obesity-related problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
Step 1
Calculate your BMI using pounds and inches. Let's say you are 125 lbs. and 60 inches tall. Multiply your height in inches by itself--multiply 60 times 60 to get 3,600. Now, divide your weight in pounds by 3,600 to get a quotient of .03472. Finally, multiply the quotient by 703 to get your body mass index--.03472 times 703 gives you a BMI of 24.
Step 2
Calculate your BMI using kilograms and centimeters. First, convert your weight in pounds to kilograms by dividing it by 2.2--125 divided by 2.2 gives you 56.82kg. Then, multiply your height in inches by 2.54 to convert it into centimeters--60 times 2.54 gives you 152.4cm. Multiply your height in centimeters by itself--152.4 times 152.4 gives you 23,225.76. Next, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in centimeters squared--56.82/23,225.76 resulting in a quotient of .0024464. Finally, multiply your quotient by 10,000--.0024464 times 10,000--to get a BMI of 24.
Step 3
Calculate your BMI using kilograms and meters. This is the more commonly used method of calculation. First, convert your height in inches to centimeters then to meters--60 times 2.54 to get 152.4cm. Now, multiply your height in centimeters by .01 to get your height in meters--152.4 times .01 gives you 1.524. Next, multiply your height in meters by itself--1.524 times 1.524, resulting in 2.32 meters. Convert your weight in pounds to kilograms by dividing it by 2.2, 125 divided by 2.2, giving you 56.82. Finally, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared--56.82/2.32 for a BMI of 24.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pencil
- Calculator
References
- “Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription”; American College of Sports Medicine; 2006
- Social Security Administration: Disability Programs
- “Personal Trainer Manual”; American Council on Exercise; 1997
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