BMI stands for body mass index. It is a body composition test that correlates to the amount of body fat a person has, but it does not actually measure body fat. A BMI score of 18.5 to 24.9 puts you in the "normal" range, according to the Nebraska Office of Women's Health. To determine your BMI, you will first need to find out your current height and weight. Because BMI is somewhat of an estimation of your body fat, it is important that you do not estimate or fudge your height and weight if you want a score that is a helpful indication of your health.
Step 1
Measure your height or, to be more accurate, have someone else do it, recommends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Remove your shoes. Let your hair down and remove any hair ornaments, such as clips or headbands. Stand on a flat, non-carpeted floor with your feet together. Place your back on the wall. Stand up straight, but keep your feet flat on the floor. Relax your arms to your sides. Use a mirror or ask a friend's feedback to make sure that your shoulders are level. Adjust your head up or down so that your chin is parallel to the floor and you are looking straight ahead.
Step 2
Place a flat object, such as a book or ruler, on top of your head and against the wall. Make the object parallel to the floor. Use a sharp pencil to mark where the bottom of the object meets the wall.
Step 3
Calculate the distance from the mark to the floor with a tape measure. Write the measurement down to the nearest 1/8 inch or 0.1 cm, recommends the CDC.
Step 4
Weigh yourself. Take off your shoes and any heavy clothing, such as a jacket or sweater, before stepping onto the scale. The CDC recommends using a digital scale that is on a flat, non-carpeted surface. Step onto the scale with both feet equidistant from the center. Write down your weight to the nearest decimal fraction, such as 120.25 lb.
Step 5
Multiply your weight in pounds by 703. Multiply your height in inches by itself to get the square of your height. Divide your weight multiplied by 703 by your height squared to get your BMI score.
Tips and Warnings
- If you don't trust your math skills or find yourself without a calculator, use an online BMI calculator (see Resources). BMI for children and teenagers is calculated differently, so use a child's BMI calculator (see Resources). A BMI score below 18.5 is considered underweight. A score of 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30 or higher constitutes obese. You can also determine your BMI using metric measurements. Multiply your height by itself to determine the square of your height in meters. Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared to get your BMI score using the metric method.
Things You'll Need
- Ruler
- Scale
- Calculator
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