How to Figure Your Body Mass Index

Gut Health For Dummies

You can use Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine whether you’re at a healthy weight or overweight and, therefore, at a greater risk of developing weight-related health problems. BMI strongly correlates to the total fat on your body, and best of all, it’s easy to determine and is applicable to all adults.

Follow these steps to calculate your BMI:

Convert your weight from pounds to kilograms.

Your weight (in pounds) ÷ 2.2 = your weight (in kilograms). For example, 132 pounds ÷ 2.2 kilograms = 60 kilograms.
Convert your height from inches to meters.

Your height (in inches) ÷ 39.37 = your height (in meters). For example, 65 inches ÷ 39.37 meters = 1.65 meters.
Calculate your Body Mass Index.

Your weight (in kilograms) ÷ [your height (in meters) x your height (in meters)] = BMI. For example, 60 kilograms ÷ (1.65 meters x 1.65 meters) = 22.03.

BMI is usually calculated in kilograms and meters, but if you feel more comfortable using pounds and feet, this formula will work for you:

After calculating your BMI, you can determine whether you’re at a healthy weight:

Healthy weight: BMI of 19 to 24.9
Overweight: BMI of 25 to 29.9
Obese: BMI of 30 and above

About This Article

About the book author:

Jane Kirby, RD is a registered dietitian and member of the American Dietetic Association. She is the food and nutrition editor of Real Simple magazine and owner of The Vermont Cooking School, Inc^TMin Charlotte, Vermont. Jane is the former editor of Eating Well magazine and the food and nuitrition editor for Glamour. She served on the dietetics staff of the Massachusettes General Hospital in Boston, where she completed graduate work in nutrition. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Marymount College.

The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest group of nutrition and health professionals. The ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health, and well-being.