BMI Calculator
Body Mass Index from weight and height
Equation & limitations
- Equation
- BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²
- Version
- Quetelet index (WHO classification cut-offs)
- Source
- WHO. Physical status: the use and interpretation of anthropometry. Tech Rep Ser 854. Geneva; 1995.
- Appropriate in
- Non-pregnant adults; the WHO BMI cut-offs are for adults.
- Limitations
- Does not distinguish muscle from fat mass (a muscular adult can have a high BMI without excess fat).
- WHO cut-offs are not validated for children, adolescents or pregnant women.
- Body fat distribution (e.g. waist circumference) is not captured.
For educational use. Results support, and do not replace, clinical judgement — check them against the patient and local guidelines.