BMI Calculator

WHO ranges: <18.5 Underweight | 18.5–24.9 Normal | 25–29.9 Overweight | ≥30 Obese. Asian-specific cutoffs are slightly lower.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool to assess whether an individual has a healthy body weight relative to their height. Our BMI calculator India computes your BMI instantly and classifies it according to WHO guidelines. BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m²). A healthy BMI for adults is 18.5–24.9, though the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends slightly lower cut-offs (18.5–22.9) for South Asians due to higher metabolic risk at lower BMI.

Why do South Asians have different BMI cut-offs? Studies show that Indians have significantly higher body fat percentage compared to Caucasians at the same BMI. At BMI 23–24.9 (labelled "normal" by WHO), South Asians already show elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The ICMR therefore recommends health action at BMI ≥ 23 for Asian Indians.

BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. It does not distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass — a bodybuilder may have BMI 27 but very low body fat. Waist circumference (>80 cm for women, >90 cm for men — Indian cut-offs) is a better indicator of abdominal obesity risk. Use our BMI calculator alongside other health metrics for a complete picture.