How to Calculate BMI by Height

Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a measurement used to determine whether your weight is healthy. BMI values are divided into four categories for adults: underweight (values less than 18.5), normal (18.5 to 24.9), overweight (25 to 29.9), and obese (over 30). According to the CDC, higher BMI values may indicate an increased risk for diseases and conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. To calculate your BMI, you will need your height in inches and your weight in pounds.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Multiply your weight in pounds by 703. As an example, take a person who is 65 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. 130 * 703 = 91,390.

2. Square your height in inches. Continuing the example, 65 x 65 = 4225.

3. Divide the result from step 1 by the height squared to get BMI. Finishing the example: BMI = 91,310 / 4225 = 21.6, within normal range.

Tips & Warnings

• Athletes may have a higher BMI without being overweight because of weight from muscle. Waist circumference is another indicator used to determine your risk for obesity related disease; a circumference of over 35 inches in women or 40 inches in men indicates increased risk.

• Consult your physician before beginning a weight loss program.

References

• "About BMI for Adults"