How to Calculate BMI on Paper
Your body mass index (BMI) helps you answer the question, "Given my height, how healthy is my weight?" If you're looking to measure the overall wellness of your body, weighing yourself is a natural first step. However, in just five additional steps--outlined below--you'll arrive at your BMI, an even more effective screening tool. The formula is straightforward: weight divided by height squared. It helps you determine whether you're underweight, overweight, obese or right on target.
Instructions
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1
Weigh yourself on a bathroom scale to determine your weight in pounds.
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2
Use a calculator to multiply your weight by 703 (this converts your weight to the metric system). Write down the result.
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3
Measure your height in inches with a yardstick or tape measure.
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4
Square your height; in other words, multiply it by itself. (For example, if you're 72 inches tall, you'd multiply 72 by 72). Record the result.
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5
Divide the number arrived at in Step 2 by the number arrived at in Step 4. The answer is your BMI.
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6
Compare your BMI to the following table:
--If your BMI is below 18.5, you're underweight.
--If it's between 18.5 and 24.9, your weight is considered normal.
--If it's between 25.0 and 29.9, you're overweight for your height.
--If it's over 30.0, you're at risk for obesity.
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Tips & Warnings
A BMI is most helpful when used with other measurements, such as waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. For the truly math-averse, automated BMI calculators are prevalent on the web, requiring only your height and weight (see Resources below).
While your BMI is a helpful comparison of your height and weight, it doesn't account for other traits, such as body shape and muscle mass. People with atypical body types--including body builders, pregnant women and elderly people--may find themselves mislabeled by their BMI.
Resources
- Photo Credit Weigh-In © Steven Pepple
