Body mass index (BMI) is derived from a formula that includes your height and your weight. BMI is a fairly reliable indicator, for both adult men and women, of how much body fat you carry, although it is only one aspect of your overall health. Body mass index can be used to determine your ideal weight by plugging your height into the formula and working with the formula to see which weights are in the healthy category of the BMI ranges.
Step 1
Weigh yourself. Find your weight in pounds.
Step 2
Measure your height. Have someone help you to get an accurate height measurement in inches.
Step 3
Use the formula to calculate your BMI:
BMI = Weight (lb.) / [Height (inches)]^2 * 703
Example: 140 (lb.)/ [65 (inches)]^2 * 703 = 23.29
Step 4
Compare your BMI to the following chart:
Below 18.5 = Underweight
18.5 to 24.9 = Healthy
25.0 to 29.9 = Overweight
Above 30.0 = Obese
The example BMI of 23.29 would fall in the the "Healthy" range.
Step 5
Find your recommended weight range by plugging your height into the formula with BMI numbers of 18.5 and 24.9. Remember that women naturally have more fat than men and that athletic individuals, with a high muscle to fat ratio might also tend toward the higher end of the BMI and recommended weight ranges.
Things You'll Need
- Scale
- Tape measure
- Calculator
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