How to Calculate BMI for a Woman

With knowledge of your weight and height, you can easily calculate your BMI.

The body mass index (BMI) is used to determine a person's body fat. While the BMI may have shortcomings--for example, it fails to distinguish the weight of muscle from fat--it is frequently used to evaluate one's health. BMIs are also a useful tool to determine who can benefit from weight loss. A BMI is calculated using height and weight. With some basic information and simple math, a woman can easily figure out her BMI.

Things You'll Need

• Scale
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Calculator or paper and pencil

Instructions

1. 

   Weight is the first number in calculating your BMI.

   Weigh yourself on a scale and write down the number.

2. 

   Tape measures can be used in finding your height.

   Measure your height. Note the unit of measurement, whether in feet and inches or meters.

3. 

   Use a calculator to quickly figure out your BMI.

   Calculate your BMI using the standard formula: Divide your weight, in pounds or kilograms, by height squared, in inches or meters, and multiply by a conversion factor of 703. For example, a female who weighs 130 pounds and is 5 feet 4 inches tall would divide 130 by 64 squared. The result would be multiplied by 703, giving her a BMI of 22.31.

References

• National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk
• BMI Calculator
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Body Mass Index

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish