BMI Calculator
What is BMI?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a tool which can be helpful in indicating whether or not your body weight falls within a healthy range. The BMI formula estimates your body fat based on your height and weight.
If you have concerns about your weight, calculating your BMI can help you to determine whether you may be considered underweight, a healthy weight, overweight or obese and whether you might need to take action to improve your overall health and wellbeing.
BMI Formula
BMI= Weight (kg) / Height (m)²
The BMI formula works by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height squared (in metres).
To calculate your Body Mass Index, enter your height and weight and our BMI Calculator will do the rest!
YOUR BMI
Conditions
The BMI is a useful and relevant measurement for most people over 18 years of age. But it does come with some limitations. This calculation ‘estimates’ rather than directly measure your body fat. The calculation takes into account height and weight, but it doesn’t take into account your body composition i.e, how much of your body weight is fat mass and how much is muscle mass, and the fact that muscle weighs more than fat. This is why a rugby player with a higher proportion of muscle mass is often classified as overweight or obese. Other factors such as age, gender and ethnicity can also influence the relationship between BMI and body fat.
The BMI is a helpful, useful and relevant tool for most people, however, the following groups of individuals should not use the BMI:
Athletes and those with higher proportion of muscle mass.
Growing children and young people.
Elderly who have lost muscle mass.
Pregnant or lactating women.
If you fall under one of the above categories and are concerned about your weight, we recommend you seek advice from your doctor, dietician or midwife.