You can calculate your body mass index, or BMI, using a simple formula. BMI provides a good estimate of how your body fat compares to what physicians now consider normal or desirable. The calculation depends on onlly two variables: your height and weight. If you want to calculate your BMI using metric units, you will need to know your height in meters and your weight in kilograms.
Step 1
Determine your height in meters by standing barefoot, relaxed but upright, against a solid surface that is taller than you, such as a door frame or wall. Mark the surface at a point that matches the top of your head. Measure the distance from the floor to the mark in meters. If your ruler is in centimeters, divide the number you get by 100 to obtain your height in meters.
Step 2
Using an accurate scale, weigh yourself in the morning soon after rising before you get dressed. Multiply your weight in pounds by 0.4536 to get your weight in kilograms.
Step 3
Calculate your BMI using metric units by plugging your weight and height into the formula: (Weight in kilograms) ÷ (Height in meters x height in meters) = BMI. For example, say you are 1.8 meters tall and weigh 65 kg. Your BMI would be 65 ÷ (1.8 x 1.8) = 65 ÷ 3.24 = 20.1
Step 4
Compare your BMI to the range of readings medical professionals use to get an indication of how your body fat composition compares to others:
Under weight: lower than 18.5
Normal weight: 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight: 25.0 to 29.9
Obese: 30.0 and higher
Things You'll Need
- Meter stick
- Scale
- Paper
- Pencil
- Calculator
Member Comments