How to Calculate BMI into Metric

Overview

The acronym "BMI" stands for "body mass index." This is a parameter of fitness that is used by personal trainers, and especially doctors to give you an idea of your body fat and where your risk lies for various health conditions. Body mass index is based on a relationship of your height and weight. It can be determined in either the standard or metric system. You can find out your BMI through the metric system by following several easy steps.

Step 1

Check your height. Your height is one part of the BMI equation. You are going to need to determine it in meters squared. Stand against a wall or inside a doorway and place a small tick mark at the top of your head with a pencil. Get out your tape measure and figure out your height in inches. One inch equals .0254 meters. So if you are 72 inches, your height will be 1.83 meters. After you square it, you get 3.35 meters.

Step 2

Weigh yourself. Your weight is determined in kilograms instead of pounds. But you must first find out your weight in pounds so you can convert it. Step on the scale with as little clothing as possible. Take your weight in pounds and multiply it by .4536, as this is the amount of kilograms in one pound. If you are 180 pounds, your weight will be 81.6 kilograms.

Step 3

Use the equation. The actual equation for body mass index is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. As an example, use the height and weight in the previous steps: 81.6/3.35 = 24.37.

Step 4

Compare your results. Now that you know your BMI, compare it to the chart to see where you stand. If your BMI is 18.5 or less, you are considered underweight. If your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9, you are considered in the normal range. If your BMI is 25 to 29.9, you are considered overweight. If you are 30 or above, you are considered obese.