BMI Calculator
Your details
For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Your numbers
Enter your height, weight and age on the left, then press Calculate. Your BMI band, ideal weight and daily calorie target are drawn on this sheet.
What is BMI?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measurement that uses your height and weight to estimate body fat. It's calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (kg/m²). While BMI doesn't directly measure body fat, it's a useful screening tool to categorize weight status.
BMI Chart for India
WHO Standard
Asian/Indian Standard
Note: For Asian populations including Indians, some studies suggest lower BMI cutoffs (23 for overweight instead of 25) due to higher body fat percentage at lower BMI levels.
Understanding BMR and TDEE
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the number of calories your body burns at rest for basic functions like breathing, circulation, and cell production. It's calculated using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which is considered the most accurate for modern populations.
TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) is your BMR multiplied by an activity factor. It represents the total calories you burn in a day including exercise and daily activities. Use TDEE to determine your calorie target for weight loss, maintenance, or muscle gain.
How to Calculate Ideal Weight
Our calculator uses four scientific formulas to estimate ideal weight:
- Devine Formula (1974): Most commonly used in medical settings
- Robinson Formula (1983): Modified version of Devine
- Miller Formula (1983): Another modification for modern populations
- Hamwi Formula (1964): Quick calculation method
The calculator shows the average of all four formulas for the most balanced estimate.
Body Fat Percentage from BMI
Body fat percentage is estimated using the Deurenberg formula, which considers BMI, age, and gender. This is an approximation - for accurate body fat measurement, consider DEXA scans or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
Limitations of BMI
- Doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass
- May misclassify muscular athletes as overweight
- Doesn't account for fat distribution (visceral vs subcutaneous)
- Different BMI cutoffs apply to different ethnic groups
- Not suitable for children, pregnant women, or elderly
Tips to Maintain Healthy BMI (Indian Context)
- Balance your plate: ½ vegetables, ¼ dal/protein, ¼ roti/rice
- Walk 10,000 steps daily or 30-45 minutes of exercise
- Choose whole grains: brown rice, millets, whole wheat over refined
- Include protein: dal, curd, paneer, eggs, chicken, fish
- Limit sugar and fried foods - major contributors to weight gain
- Stay hydrated: 3-4 liters of water daily
- Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep
- Manage stress through yoga or meditation
Read the guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is normal BMI in India?
For Indians and Asians, the normal BMI range is 18.5 to 22.9 according to Asian-specific guidelines. The WHO standard of 18.5-24.9 may be too lenient for Asian populations who tend to have higher body fat percentages at lower BMIs.
How do I calculate BMI?
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ [Height (m)]². For example, if you weigh 70 kg and are 1.75m tall, your BMI = 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.9.
What is the difference between BMI and BMR?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a ratio of weight to height that indicates if you're underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the number of calories your body burns at rest. They measure completely different things.
What is ideal weight for a 5'7" male?
For a 5'7" (170cm) male, the ideal weight range is approximately 60-75 kg based on standard formulas. The exact ideal weight depends on body composition, muscle mass, and frame size.
How many calories should I eat to lose weight?
To lose 0.5 kg per week, create a deficit of 500 calories from your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure). For example, if your TDEE is 2500 kcal, eat 2000 kcal daily. Never go below 1200 kcal for women or 1500 kcal for men.
Is BMI accurate?
BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, doesn't measure body fat distribution, and uses different cutoffs for different ethnicities. Use it as one of several health indicators, not the only measure of health.