Body mass index (BMI) measures whether or not an individual's weight is healthy. It takes into account body mass and stature and can be calculated using the following formula: BMI = body mass (kg) ÷ stature (m^2). For example, an individual who weighs 130 lb. (59.1 kg) and is 5 feet, 6 inches tall (1.68 meters) has a BMI of 20.9 (59.1 ÷ 1.68^2 = 20.9). BMI measurements below 18.5 are classified as underweight, between 18.5 and 24.9 as normal, between 25.0 and 29.9 as overweight and 30.0 or more as obese.
Individuals who are classified as underweight, overweight or obese should take steps to move their BMI into the normal range. However, BMI classifications are not always correct. Muscular individuals may be classified as overweight or obese according to their BMI when, in reality, their weight is healthy because their extra mass is in the form of muscle rather than fat. You can easily set up a spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel to calculate your BMI and track changes to your BMI over time.
Step 1
Create six columns with the following headings: date, weight (lb.), mass (kg), height (inches), height (m) and BMI (your mass is your weight measured in kg). These headings can be placed in cells A1, B1, C1, D1, E1 and F1, respectively. The date column is optional but helpful if you want to save the document to track changes to your BMI over time. If you have a scale that measures your mass, the weight column is also optional. Format the columns as desired.
Step 2
Enter the date in cell A2 and your weight in pounds in cell B2. Use a reliable scale to weigh yourself.
Step 3
Type the following formula in cell C2: "=B2/2.2." This will convert your weight from cell B2 into mass (the formula to convert pounds to kilograms is pounds divided by 2.2). The mass will appear in cell C2. Note that all formulas must begin with an equal sign.
Step 4
Enter your height in inches in cell D2. If you only know your height in feet, then multiply your height in feet by 12 to calculate your height in inches.
Step 5
Type the following formula in cell E2: "=D2*0.0254." This will convert your height in inches from cell D2 to meters in cell E2 (the formula to convert inches to meters is inches multiplied by 0.0254).
Step 6
Input the formula for BMI in cell F2: "=C2/(E2^2)." After entering the formula, your BMI will appear in cell F2. Format cell F2 to round your BMI to the nearest tenth by clicking the "Decrease Decimal" tab on the tool bar at the top of the screen (for Excel 2007).
Tips and Warnings
- To make your spreadsheet look neat and orderly, format the columns so information is displayed in the center of each cell, and make each column heading bold.
References
- "Sports and Exercise Nutrition, Third Edition"; William D. McArdle, Frank I. Katch and Victor L. Katch; 2009
- Baycon Group: Microsoft Excel 2007 Tutorial
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