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. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the BMI 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 (dividing by 100) before applying the formula.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown BMI to be correlated with more direct measures of body fat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. For most accurate results, measure weight in the morning before eating and after using the bathroom. Measure height without shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults 20 years and older: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obese (30 or higher).

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

Q3: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than the adult categories.

Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.

Q5: What's better than BMI for measuring health?
A: While BMI is useful for population studies, waist circumference and other measurements may provide better individual health assessments.