What BMI tells you
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a quick screening number that compares your weight to your height. Enter your height and weight above and you will see your BMI and the category it falls into — underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese.
How to read your result
For most adults a BMI of 18.5–24.9 is considered healthy, 25–29.9 is overweight and 30 or above is in the obese range. These bands come from the World Health Organization; some countries, including India, use slightly lower cut-offs because health risks can appear at a lower BMI.
What BMI cannot tell you
BMI is a useful starting point, not a complete measure of health. Because it uses only height and weight, it can over- or under-estimate body fat for very muscular people, older adults and some ethnic groups, and it says nothing about where fat is stored. Treat your result as a prompt to speak with a doctor, not a diagnosis — especially if it falls outside the healthy range.
Frequently asked questions
Is BMI accurate for everyone? No — athletes and older adults are common exceptions. A waist measurement and body-fat percentage add useful context.
What should I do about my result? Use it as a starting point for a conversation with a healthcare professional, who can consider your full health picture.
About this tool
This tool is provided for general information and education only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment — please read our Medical Disclaimer. Learn how we build, review and update our tools in our Editorial Policy.
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