There is no ‘perfect weight’ that fits everyone, but using a body mass indicator (BMI) calculator is a good way to measure your body size and estimate whether you’re at a healthy weight. It can also be used as a guide when setting realistic weight loss goals.

What is BMI?

The Body Mass Index is one of the most popular and easy to use tools to calculate your weight range. In the blink of an eye, the BMI calculator can help you identify a healthy weight range based on your height. According to the Body Mass Index, people are categorised based on four classifications: underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. If a person’s BMI falls outside of the healthy range, their health risks may increase significantly.

What BMI is underweight?

Underweight people have a BMI of under 18.5.

What BMI is healthy?

A result between 18.5 and 25 means you’re in the “normal” weight range for your specific height.

What BMI is overweight?

A result between 25 and 30 means your weight falls in the overweight range.

What BMI is obese?

A result above 30 falls in the obese category.

Calculate your BMI

Check out what weight range you fall in by using our Body Mass Index Calculator.

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Is BMI accurate?

Although using a BMI calculator is a good way to identify whether your weight is putting your health at risk, it should be used in conjunction with other tools for a more accurate result. Many studies have shown that BMI can give a fair reflection of someone’s body fat composition because it expresses the weight-height relationship, BMI provides a more accurate measure than body weight alone. In fact, there is a strong correlation between BMI and the amount of fat someone carries on their frame. However, BMI does not show where the body is storing your fat, research has shown that people who carry more weight around their waists are at a higher risk of health problems.

The most accurate way to assess your health risk is to use a BMI calculator alongside measuring your waist circumference and other health and lifestyle measures. A BMI calculator can be useful in helping you set your weight loss goal, aiming to reduce your weight by 2 BMI points at a time may be a more realistic way of setting goals.

NOTE: BMI guides may not be accurate for individuals with a high muscle mass or pregnant women and shouldn’t be used for under 16s.