BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) from your height and weight, and see which weight category you fall into using Asian/Indian BMI reference ranges.
Within the healthy Asian BMI range.Categorized using Asian/Indian BMI reference ranges. BMI is a screening tool only, not a diagnosis — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density or body composition.
How to Use the BMI Calculator
- 1Choose the “Metric” tab if you know your weight in kilograms and height in centimeters, or the “Imperial” tab for pounds and feet/inches.
- 2Enter your weight and height.
- 3Your BMI value and weight category appear instantly, along with a colored badge showing where you stand.
- 4Use the category note as a starting point, not a final verdict — pair it with a doctor's assessment for the full picture.
BMI Formula & Asian BMI Categories
BMI is calculated as weight divided by height squared: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². If you enter weight in pounds and height in feet/inches, this calculator first converts them to kilograms and meters (1 lb = 0.453592 kg, 1 inch = 2.54 cm) before applying the same formula, so the result is identical either way.
Worked example: a person weighing 65 kg who is 170 cm tall has a height of 1.70 m. BMI = 65 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 65 ÷ 2.89 ≈ 22.5, which falls in the Normal range on the Asian BMI scale.
This calculator uses the Asian/Indian BMI reference ranges, which are lower than the WHO global standard:
- Underweight: BMI below 18.5
- Normal: BMI 18.5 – 22.9
- Overweight: BMI 23 – 24.9
- Obese: BMI 25 and above
For comparison, the WHO global standard uses higher cutoffs — Normal: 18.5–24.9, Overweight: 25–29.9, Obese: 30 and above. Research shows that people of South Asian descent tend to develop higher body fat percentage and a greater risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease at a lower BMI than other populations, which is why many South Asian and Indian health bodies recommend using these tighter cutoffs for screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Formula and figures on this page were checked against official sources as of August 2026. See our editorial process. This tool is for informational purposes only and isn't financial, tax or medical advice.