Body mass index, or BMI, is a measure of body fat based on weight divided by height. A standard BMI calculator requires a height and weight measurement attained using a scale and measuring tape. A BMI score helps assess your risk of disease and is a reliable indicator of your total body fat. Limitations of BMI include the inability to differentiate between muscle mass and fat mass, which may overestimate body fat.
Step 1
Use a scale to measure and record your body weight. Place the scale on a hard and level surface. Record your weight first thing in the morning to avoid fluctuations in body weight due to hydration and meals.
Step 2
Use a stadiometer, or physicians scale, or a measuring tape held against the wall to measure and record your height. Take your shoes off and stand with your feet together. Keep your head level and take a deep inhalation prior to measuring.
Step 3
Enter your weight into any standard BMI calculator; many are available online. The BMI calculator may require the weight to be entered in kilograms or pounds. Divide your weight by 2.2 to convert pound measurements to kilograms. Ensure that your weight is entered in the correct unit of measurement.
Step 4
Enter your height into the BMI calculator. Height measurements may need to be entered in inches or centimeters. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply inches by 2.54. Ensure your height is entered in the correct unit of measurement.
Step 5
Use the BMI calculator's compute function to calculate BMI. Your BMI can also be manually calculated. Multiply your height in pounds by 730. Divide this number by your height in inches squared. The result is you BMI score. BMI scores may range from 15 to over 40. Match your BMI score to a BMI table.
Step 6
Interpret your results based on your BMI score. Normal BMI values range from 18.5 to 24.9. Values within this range are considered ideal, and are associated with low risks of developing obesity-related diseases. Scores above 30 indicate obesity and are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Underweight individuals with scores below 18.5 are also at risk due to weakened immune systems.
Things You'll Need
- Scale
- Measuring tape
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