BMI Calculator: Calculate BMI for Men, Women & Kids
Ever noticed the doctors jotting down your weight and height every time you visit for a routine check-up? This data is used to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI).
However, digitalisation has made this process easier with the BMI calculator. As a result, you can now know if you are underweight or overweight without wasting time on manual calculations.
What Is a BMI Calculator?
BMI calculator is a handy tool that evaluates the Quetelet index. It calls for a user to enter his/her exact weight and height to estimate results. Based on the calculation, one can determine whether they are underweight or obese.
What Is the Purpose of the BMI Calculator?
This evaluation also helps dieticians to plan a diet routine for their patients. Since a nutritious meal is important for physical and mental well being, knowing the exact measurement helps plan a balanced diet for weight management. Similarly, an underweight patient may be suggested to include medications and a healthy diet in their daily routine to gain weight.
Moreover, medical professionals usually employ the BMI calculation formula, which combines weight and height to determine a person's weight category.
However, these measurements can vary according to one’s age and gender. Therefore, knowing how to calculate BMI with age will help you calculate the BMI with respect to your age.
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s dig a little deeper on the subject, shall we?
What Is a BMI Chart?
A BMI calculator assesses an individual’s weight category by calculating the ratio of his/her weight to the height squared.
That said, one must know that tall people have more tissues which makes them weigh more. Therefore, BMI results should not be the sole factor to determine your health plan.
Technically, this calculator cannot assess body fat. The bones and muscles in the human body are way denser than fat. As a result, athletes and weightlifters have a high BMI though they do not have much body fat.
Nevertheless, the commonly used BMI weight chart is shown underneath.
BMI Chart for Kids
The BMI calculation for children is quite different as compared to adults. The results here are a basic comparison with the children of similar age and gender. For instance, a child with a 60th percentile BMI would indicate that 60% of kids with the same gender and age had a lower BMI.
One can use a BMI calculator for kids, which offers the following results:
| Category of Weight in Kids | BMI Results |
|---|---|
| Underweight | The BMI is 5th percentile of the same gender, height, and age. |
| Normal Weight | BMI is greater than or equal to the 5th percentile. In contrast, it is lower than the 85th percentile for height, age and gender. |
| Overweight | BMI is 85th percentile or above, but it is lower than the 95th percentile for gender, age and height. |
| Obese | BMI is at the 95th percentile or above for age, gender, and height. |
However, the results can vary in terms of kids. So in children and teens, age and gender can influence the range for BMI.
For instance, a child whose BMI is at the 95th percentile or higher his/her age is considered obese. On the other hand, a child whose BMI falls between the 85th and 94th percentile is considered overweight.
BMI Chart for Men
Here, the measurement is for individuals aged 18 and above. The height range starts from 4’ 10” to 7’. In this regard, one can use a BMI calculator for men and determine one of the following results:
| Category of Weight in Adult Men | BMI Results |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 to 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0 to 29.9 |
| Obese | 30.0 and above |
BMI Chart for Female
Here the measurement is for females aged 18 and above. The height range starts from 4’ 10” to 7’. One can use a BMI calculator for women to find these results quickly:
| Category of Weight in Adult | BMI Results |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 to 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0 to 29.9 |
| Obese | 30.0 and above |
What Is the Formula for Calculating BMI?
The BMI calculator follows a simple formula to evaluate the results. It divides the weight (in kilogram) by the square of height (in meters).
Additionally, this calculator comes with multiple options like age and gender. This makes the computation result more accurate for individuals.
The BMI evaluation formula for men and women is as follows:
BMI = Weight/Height²
For instance, a female weighing around 70 kilograms and 5’ (1.524 meters) tall, her BMI is:
= 70/(1.524)²
= 30.1 kg/m2
This data indicates that the person is obese. For this height and weight range, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is normal. Therefore, the person needs to lose weight and bring it down by about 6 kilograms.
What Are the Benefits of Using a BMI Calculator?
Understanding the BMI calculator metric is useful to determine a person’s lifestyle and eating choices. Individuals who are underweight can evaluate the reason for these changes. In some instances, medical conditions like thyroid can increase or decrease body weight, which requires immediate medical attention.
It can also help one maintain a normal weight, reducing their risk of diseases like osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes, among other ailments.
Additionally, some other benefits of the BMI calculator are as follows:
- Allows easy and quick calculation with minimal data
- Removes the possibilities of errors, which are common in manual calculation
- Mobile friendly and inexpensive
- Some tools also offer suggestions regarding the normal body fat levels
How Is BMI Calculator Useful in Managing Health?
As it calculates one’s BMI and compares it with his/her age, BMI chart helps understand whether this individual needs immediate medical attention. Moreover, fitness enthusiasts can use this tool to measure their fat percentage and plan an exercise routine accordingly.
In addition, overweight individuals can use this tool to determine the range of normal weight for themselves and work towards it.
Now start using a BMI calculator and plan your health plan and boost your level of fitness. We hope this guide answered all your queries with this calculator.
Disclaimer: One must seek the advice of a healthcare professional before making significant changes to his/her lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are BMI and BSA metrics similar?
No, BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and BSF is the total surface area of the human body. It uses height, weight, age, and gender as factors to assess one’s overall health.
When should an individual consult a doctor with BMI results?
If the results indicate that a person is obese or underweight, an individual should consult a doctor and dietician for professional advice. They will prepare a meal chart and exercise regime that an individual needs to follow.