Adult BMI categories
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obesity |
What BMI doesn't tell you
BMI doesn't separate muscle from fat, so athletes can score high. It also doesn't show where fat is stored. Waist size, blood pressure, and blood tests give a fuller picture.
Worked example
Someone who is 5 feet 9 inches (69 inches) tall and weighs 165 pounds has a BMI of 703 × 165 ÷ 69², which is 115,995 ÷ 4,761 = 24.4. That falls in the healthy weight range. For that height, the healthy range of 18.5 to 24.9 works out to about 125 to 169 pounds.
Healthy weight range by height
| Height | BMI 18.5 | BMI 24.9 |
|---|---|---|
| 5′0″ | 95 lb | 128 lb |
| 5′2″ | 101 lb | 136 lb |
| 5′4″ | 108 lb | 145 lb |
| 5′6″ | 115 lb | 154 lb |
| 5′8″ | 122 lb | 164 lb |
| 5′10″ | 129 lb | 174 lb |
| 6′0″ | 136 lb | 184 lb |
| 6′2″ | 144 lb | 194 lb |
| 6′4″ | 152 lb | 205 lb |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this for children or teens?
No. For people under 20, BMI is compared with growth charts by age and sex. Ask a pediatrician for a child's BMI percentile.
Is BMI the same for men and women?
The adult formula and categories are the same for everyone, although body composition differs between people.
Does BMI work for older adults?
BMI is still used for adults over 65, but muscle loss with age can make it less precise. Some doctors consider a slightly higher BMI acceptable in older adults.