1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The calculator automatically converts height from centimeters to meters before performing the calculation.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of body fatness or health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obesity (≥30).

Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and others with muscular builds, and may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle.

Q3: Should children use the same BMI calculation?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentiles because their body composition varies as they age.

Q4: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle, doesn't consider fat distribution, and may not be accurate for certain ethnic groups.

Q5: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, but individual health depends on many factors beyond BMI.