Find Your Body Mass Index
A good way to determine if your weight is healthy for your height is to calculate your body mass index (BMI).
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a relationship between weight and height that is associated with body fat and health risk. Research has identified the health risks associated with a wide range of BMIs (both high and low values.) Learn more about Body Mass Index from the CDC.
Being overweight puts strain on your heart and can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
- Varicose veins
- Increased risk of heart attack
Your Body Mass Index estimates how much you should weigh, based on your height. Here are the steps to calculate it by hand:
- Multiply your weight in pounds by 703.
- Divide that answer by your height in inches.
- Divide that answer by your height in inches again.
For example, a woman who weighs 270 pounds and is 68 inches tall has a BMI of 41.0
To make it easy to find out your approximate BMI, you can use the calculator below to see what category your BMI falls into, and whether you need to be concerned about your weight.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
Note: This BMI (Body Mass Index) score is based on averages. Therefore it should be used as a guide only.
A BMI of 20-25 is considered good; a higher or lower BMI may increase health risks.
How Your BMI Score Translates:
Normal: 18.5 – 24.9
Overweight: 25 – 29.9
Obese: 30 and over