BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) from your weight and height, and see which BMI category you fall into using WHO Asia-Pacific classification cutoffs.
- Free to use
- No registration required
- Works on all devices
- Method
- Weight (kg) ÷ height (m)², rounded to one decimal place
- Applies to
- Adults (18+), not during pregnancy
- Cutoffs used
- WHO Asia-Pacific (23 overweight, 25 obese)
- Last updated
- 24-09-2026
Your result
22.9
BMI
How to read your result
Your BMI places you in one of four categories using the WHO Asia-Pacific cutoffs, which are lower than the global cutoffs because health risk tends to rise at a lower BMI in Asian populations. A result near a boundary (for example 22.8 or 23.1) means little on its own — use it as a prompt to look at other measures, not as a verdict.
| Range | Category | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Below the adult range this calculator treats as normal. |
| 18.5 – 22.9 | Normal | Within the Asia-Pacific normal range for adults. |
| 23 – 24.9 | Overweight | Above the Asia-Pacific normal range; the global WHO bands would still call 23–24.9 normal. |
| 25 and above | Obese | At or above the Asia-Pacific obesity cutoff; the global WHO bands start obesity at 30. |
AI explanation
Formula
BMI = weight(kg) / height(m)²Worked examples
70kg, 175cm
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 70 |
| Height | 175 |
| BMI | 22.9 |
| Category | Normal |
- Height in metres = 175 ÷ 100 = 1.75; squared = 3.0625.
- BMI = 70 ÷ 3.0625 = 22.857…, rounded to 22.9.
- 22.9 is below the Asia-Pacific overweight cutoff of 23, so the category is Normal.
This result sits right at the top of the normal range — gaining 0.3 kg (to 70.3 kg) at this height would move it into the Asia-Pacific overweight band.
68kg, 160cm — where the Asia-Pacific and global bands disagree
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 68 |
| Height | 160 |
| BMI | 26.6 |
| Category | Obese |
- Height in metres = 1.60; squared = 2.56.
- BMI = 68 ÷ 2.56 = 26.5625, rounded to 26.6.
- 26.6 is at or above the Asia-Pacific obesity cutoff of 25, so the category is Obese.
Under the global WHO bands the same 26.6 would be classed as overweight, not obese — which is why this calculator states the cutoffs it uses.
Assumptions and limitations
This calculator assumes
- Uses WHO Asia-Pacific BMI classification cutoffs (Underweight below 18.5, Normal 18.5-22.9, Overweight 23-24.9, Obese 25 and above) — lower than the global WHO cutoffs (25/30), and commonly used for the Indian population in clinical guidance.
- Assumes an adult (18 years or older) who is not pregnant.
What it does not account for
- BMI does not distinguish muscle mass from fat mass and may not be accurate for athletes, pregnant individuals, or children.
- It does not show where body fat is carried; waist measurement adds information BMI cannot.
- Children and teenagers are assessed with age- and sex-specific BMI charts, not these adult cutoffs.
- A BMI category is a screening result, not a diagnosis.
When to use this calculator
- A quick adult weight-for-height check using the cutoffs commonly applied in India.
- Tracking whether a change in weight moves you across a BMI category boundary.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMI cutoff the same worldwide?
No — the global WHO classification uses 25 and 30 as the overweight/obese cutoffs, but the WHO Asia-Pacific guidelines use lower cutoffs (23 and 25) because health risk at a given BMI tends to be higher in Asian populations. This calculator uses the Asia-Pacific cutoffs.
Is BMI an accurate measure of health?
BMI is a useful screening tool but does not measure body fat directly or account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution. It should be considered alongside other health indicators, not in isolation.
What should I do if my BMI is outside the normal range?
Consult a doctor or qualified health professional for personalized advice — this calculator is informational only and does not diagnose any medical condition.
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Sources
- The Asia-Pacific perspective — redefining obesity and its treatment — World Health Organization (Western Pacific Region). Effective 01-01-2000, checked 12-09-2026.
This calculator is for general informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health.
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