How to Calculate BMI at Home – Formula & Easy Steps
How to Calculate BMI at Home (Simple Guide)
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is one of the easiest ways to check if your weight is in a healthy range. While you can use our Free BMI Calculator for instant results, you can also calculate it yourself at home using a simple formula.
This guide explains step-by-step how to calculate BMI, with examples and charts to make it easy.
🔎 The BMI Formula
The formula for Body Mass Index is:
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²)
If you prefer pounds and inches, use:
BMI = (weight (lb) ÷ height² (in²)) × 703
🧮 Step-by-Step: How to Calculate BMI
- Measure your weight
- Use kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).
- Measure your height
- In meters (m) or inches (in).
- Apply the formula
- Divide weight by height squared.
- If using pounds/inches, multiply by 703.
- Check the result against the BMI chart.
📊 Example Calculation
Example 1 (Metric)
- Weight = 68 kg
- Height = 1.70 m
BMI = 68 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 23.5 → Healthy weight.
Example 2 (Imperial)
- Weight = 150 lb
- Height = 65 in (5 ft 5 in)
BMI = (150 ÷ (65 × 65)) × 703 = 24.9 → Healthy weight.
📋 BMI Chart (Adults 20+)
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30+ | Obese |
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
- BMI doesn’t measure muscle vs fat.
- Athletes may show “overweight” even if healthy.
- Use BMI as a general guide, not a medical diagnosis.
❓ FAQs About Calculating BMI
Q: Do I need special tools to calculate BMI?
A: No, just your weight and height.
Q: Which is better – metric or imperial formula?
A: Both are accurate, just different units.
Q: Can I calculate BMI without math?
A: Yes, use our online BMI Calculator for instant results.
✅ Conclusion
Calculating BMI at home is simple. All you need is your weight, height, and the formula. Still, the easiest option is our Free BMI Calculator, which works instantly and shows your result with a category.