A PLAIN-ENGLISH GUIDE
What BodyRange can tell you
BodyRange puts the number, the adult category, and the weight range for your height in one view. It is meant to help you understand a screening result—not make a medical decision for you.
What is BMI?
Body mass index, or BMI, compares your weight with the square of your height. It gives adults a quick, consistent way to screen for weight categories that may be associated with health risk. Because it uses only height and weight, it cannot tell how much of your body is muscle, fat, bone, or water. That makes BMI useful as a starting point, but not a complete picture of your health. If a number concerns you, discuss it with a qualified health professional who knows your history.
What is a healthy adult BMI?
- Under 18.5Underweight
- 18.5–24.9Healthy weight
- 25.0–29.9Overweight
- 30.0 or higherObesity
These are the commonly used U.S. adult categories for people age 20 and older. Children and teens use age- and sex-specific percentiles instead.
How is BMI calculated?
US: 703 × weight (lb) ÷ height² (in)
Metric: weight (kg) ÷ height² (m)
The healthy weight range shown above reverses the same formula at BMIs of 18.5 and 24.9. It is an approximate reference range, not a personalized goal weight.
Healthy weight by height
A few examples show why height matters. These rounded ranges correspond to adult BMIs of 18.5 through 24.9:
- 5 ft 4 in
- About 108–145 lb
- 5 ft 8 in
- About 122–164 lb
- 6 ft 0 in
- About 136–184 lb
Use the calculator for your own height instead of relying on a large chart.
Why BMI isn't the whole story
BMI does not directly measure body fat or show where body fat is carried. A muscular athlete can have a higher BMI without having excess body fat. Age, body composition, pregnancy, health conditions, and other factors can also change what the number means for one person. This tool is for adults age 20 and older and should not be used to assess children, teens, or pregnancy.
Method and adult category references: CDC Adult BMI Calculator and NIDDK healthy-weight guidance.