BMI Calculator for Adults (with South Asian & East Asian Cut-offs)
Calculate your body mass index and see your category using either the standard WHO cut-offs or the lower cut-offs recommended for South and East Asian adults.
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About this calculator
Body mass index (BMI) is a quick screening number calculated from weight and height. It does not measure body fat directly, but at population level it correlates with health risk and is the starting point for most weight assessments.
Many people of South and East Asian origin develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMIs, so the WHO recognises lower action points for these populations. Choose the standard that fits you.
How it works
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²
| Category | Standard (WHO) | Asia-Pacific |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | < 18.5 |
| Healthy | 18.5–24.9 | 18.5–22.9 |
| Overweight | 25–29.9 | 23–24.9 (at risk) |
| Obese class I | 30–34.9 | 25–29.9 |
| Obese class II | 35–39.9 | ≥ 30 |
| Obese class III | ≥ 40 | n/a |
How to read your result
BMI is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your BMI is in a higher category, also look at waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol. If you are very muscular or have a small frame, BMI can overstate your risk; if you have lost muscle with age, it can understate it.
Worked example
An adult weighing 70 kg and 170 cm tall, using standard WHO categories.
| Your BMI | 24.2 kg/m² Healthy weight |
| Healthy weight range for your height | 53.5–72 kg 118–159 lb. Your weight is inside the healthy range for your height. |
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate BMI in kg and cm?
Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. For example 70 kg at 170 cm: 70 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 24.2.
What is a healthy BMI for South Asians?
The WHO suggests 18.5–22.9, with risk rising from 23, because health risks begin at lower BMI levels in Asian populations.
Is BMI the same for men and women?
The formula and cut-offs are the same for adult men and women, although women typically carry more body fat at the same BMI.
Does BMI apply to children?
No. Children and teenagers use age- and sex-specific BMI percentile charts.
Can BMI be wrong?
Yes. It ignores muscle, bone density, fat distribution and age. Use it alongside waist measurement and health markers.
Limitations and when not to use
For adults aged 18+. Not for children, pregnancy, competitive athletes or people with oedema.
Sources and references
- World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight fact sheet.
- WHO Expert Consultation. Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies. Lancet 2004;363:157–163.
- WHO Western Pacific Region. The Asia-Pacific perspective: redefining obesity and its treatment, 2000.
Last updated: 2026-10-09