How to calculate body mass index, or BMI, is a helpful tool in the journey of weight loss. With some basic math, you can find your own BMI and be on your way to a healthy weight goal. A Belgian statistician, Adolphe Quetelet, developed the BMI formula, and it was known as the Quelet index. Today, we use this equation to know what the ideal weight is for a certain height. To find your BMI, all you need is your height and weight. First, convert your height into inches. Once you have this number, you can easily plug it into the proper equation.
- Standard Equation: BMI=(weight in lbs x 703)/(height in inches)2
- Metric Equation: BMI=(weight in kg)/(height in meters)2
Where Should I Be?
With these simple formulas, you can calculate your BMI, and then compare your result to a standard to find out what range you should be in, or what you need to work towards. Anything below 18.5 is considered underweight, 18.5-24.5 is normal, 25-29.9 is in the overweight category, and 30 and above is considered obese.
Although a person’s BMI is not necessarily indicative of actual body fat percentage, it does give some idea of where to start and where you should be.