BMI calculator with Asia-Pacific categories
BMI compares your weight with your height. It is a quick screening number, with cut-offs from the World Health Organization and lower cut-offs often used for Asian populations.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your height in centimetres.
- Enter your weight in kilograms.
- Read your BMI and its category on both scales.
- Check the weight range that matches a healthy BMI for your height.
Worked examples
Example 1
Height 170 cm and weight 70 kg.
You enter
| Height (cm) | 170 |
|---|---|
| Weight (kg) | 70 |
You get
| Your BMI | 24.2 |
|---|---|
| WHO category | Normal range |
| Asia-Pacific category | Overweight |
| Healthy weight range for your height (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) | 53.5 to 72 kg |
| Asia-Pacific normal range (BMI 18.5 to 22.9) | 53.5 to 66.2 kg |
Example 2
Height 160 cm and weight 75 kg: note how the two scales differ.
You enter
| Height (cm) | 160 |
|---|---|
| Weight (kg) | 75 |
You get
| Your BMI | 29.3 |
|---|---|
| WHO category | Overweight |
| Asia-Pacific category | Obesity |
| Healthy weight range for your height (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) | 47.4 to 63.7 kg |
| Asia-Pacific normal range (BMI 18.5 to 22.9) | 47.4 to 58.6 kg |
How it works
BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. The WHO normal range is 18.5 to 24.9. For Asian populations the normal range is often taken as 18.5 to 22.9 because health risks can rise at lower BMI.
BMI does not see muscle, bone or where fat is stored, so a muscular person can be 'overweight' on paper. It is a screening tool, not a diagnosis; talk to a doctor about your own health.
Formula
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)^2.
Common questions
Is BMI accurate for athletes?
Not always, because muscle weighs more than fat.
Which scale should I use?
Ask your doctor; the Asia-Pacific scale is often preferred in India.
Is it valid for children?
No; children use age-specific charts.
Calculators give estimates for learning and planning. They are not financial, tax, legal or medical advice, and results depend entirely on the numbers you enter. Check rates, limits and rules with an official source or a qualified professional before acting.