1. What is BMI?

Definition: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from an individual's weight and height that provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

Purpose: It's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

2. How Does the BMI Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BMI \) — Body Mass Index (kg/m²)
• \( W \) — Weight (kilograms)
• \( H \) — Height (meters)

Explanation: Your weight in kilograms is divided by the square of your height in meters.

3. BMI Categories

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
• Obese: BMI 30 or greater

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For pounds and inches, first convert to metric units.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass.

Q2: How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
A: Divide pounds by 2.205 (1 kg = 2.205 lbs).

Q3: How do I convert feet and inches to meters?
A: First convert to inches (feet × 12 + inches), then multiply by 0.0254 (1 inch = 0.0254 m).

Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy.

Q5: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentiles for BMI evaluation.