BMI Calculator (Metric & Imperial)
This BMI calculator works in both metric (cm, kg) and imperial (feet/inches, pounds) units. Unlike many general BMI calculators, it screens against the Asian-population BMI cutoffs (18.5 / 23 / 25) rather than the general WHO cutoffs (18.5 / 25 / 30) -- the bands actually used by Nepali hospitals and health camps, so the category you see here is the one a clinic would tell you.
Fill in your age and sex as well and the calculator also estimates your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) -- the calories your body burns at complete rest -- using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation.
BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index and screening category, using the Asian-population BMI cutoffs.
| BMI range | Category |
|---|---|
| < 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 22.9 | Normal |
| 23.0 – 24.9 | Overweight |
| ≥ 25.0 | Obese |
BMI is a screening measure, not a diagnosis -- it does not account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. The BMI category cutoffs shown are for adults; they do not apply to children/teens or pregnant women. BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is estimated using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation and is only calculated once age and sex are filled in -- it is the calories your body burns at complete rest, not your total daily calorie need. Talk to a doctor for a proper health assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy BMI?
Using the Asian cutoffs this calculator applies: under 18.5 is Underweight, 18.5-22.9 is Normal, 23.0-24.9 is Overweight, and 25.0 or above is Obese.
Why does this calculator use different BMI ranges than some other calculators?
Many international calculators (including some UK/US health-authority ones) use the general WHO cutoffs (25 for Overweight, 30 for Obese). This calculator instead uses the WHO Asian-population cutoffs, which kick in earlier (23 and 25) -- these are the ranges Nepali clinics and health camps actually screen against.
Does this BMI calculator work for children or teens?
No. The cutoffs shown here are for adults only; BMI-for-age percentile charts (not a fixed cutoff) are used for children and teens, and this tool does not currently support that.
What is BMR and how is it calculated here?
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is an estimate of the calories your body burns at complete rest. It is calculated with the Mifflin-St Jeor equation once you fill in your age and sex -- it is not your total daily calorie need, which would also depend on activity level.
Can I calculate BMI in feet and pounds instead of cm and kg?
Yes -- switch the Units dropdown to Imperial to enter height in feet/inches and weight in pounds.