How to Calculate the Metric Body Mass Index
Body mass index, or BMI, measures a person's overall weight as it relates to height. BMI offers a more informative comparison than just weight, since taller individuals would logically weigh more, even at the same fitness level. This calculation divides weight by height. It is generally thought that a BMI of 20 to 25 indicates a normal weight, whereas anything below or above that range indicates underweight or overweight, respectively. BMI is typically expressed as kilograms per square meter in the metric system.
Instructions
-
-
1
Weigh yourself and record the measurement in kilograms. If your scale measures only in pounds, then take the pounds measurement and divide by 2.2. As an example, 130 lb. equals 59 kg.
-
2
Measure your height. Stand with your back against a wall and use a pencil to mark the point on the wall that is level with the top of your head. Then measure from the floor to the mark with a tape measure and record the measurement in meters. If you can measure only in inches, take the inches measurement and divide by 39.4. As an example, if you measured 65 inches, your height would be 1.65 m.
-
-
3
Divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. As an example, if you weighed 59 kg and were 1.65 m in height, you would divide 59 by 1.65 twice. This would give you a BMI of 21.7, indicating you were in the lower range of a normal weight.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit fitness image by Tomasz Wojnarowicz from Fotolia.com
