Body Mass Index is a mathematical equation that uses your height and weight to calculate the amount of fat on your body. Your BMI number is then compared to the standard weight category chart to determine whether you are underweight, of normal weight, overweight or obese. Use your BMI number as a tool to help you make decisions about your weight.
Step 1
Measure your weight in pounds on a reliable scale. Weigh yourself in the morning before you eat breakfast to get the most accurate result.
Step 2
Measure your height in inches. Stand barefoot with your back against a wall and your chin up as a friend marks the wall where the top of your head is. Use a measuring tape to measure the distance between the mark on the wall and the floor.
Step 3
Divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared. If you weigh 150 lbs. and are 65 inches tall, your calculation will be 150 divided by 65 squared, or .0355.
Step 4
Multiply that number by the conversion factor 703 to get your BMI number. Using the example in Step 3, your result would be a 24.96 BMI.
Step 5
Compare your BMI calculation to the ranges listed on the BMI standard weight status categories. A BMI under 18.5 indicates you are underweight, while a normal weight is between 18.5 and 24.9. You are overweight if your BMI is between 25 and 29.9 and obese if it's over 30.
Step 6
Analyze your results and take action if needed. A BMI of 24.96 is on the high end of the normal weight category and indicates you should take steps to reduce your body fat. Make a plan to gain weight if you are in the underweight category. Start a weight-loss plan of diet and exercise if your BMI places you in the overweight or obese category.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid making doing the BMI mathematical calculations on your own by entering your height and weight information into either the BMI Calculator or Body Mass Index Table listed in the resource section. Your BMI number might be falsely high if you are an athlete with a large amount of lean muscle mass as this measurement is not designed to distinguish between fat and muscle weight.
Things You'll Need
- Scale
- Wall
- Measuring tape
- Calculator
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