- Select your preferred unit system (Metric or Imperial)
- Enter your height in centimeters (or feet and inches for Imperial)
- Enter your weight in kilograms (or pounds for Imperial)
- Optionally select your gender for reference
- Click 'Calculate BMI' to see your result
- Review your BMI category and health advice
What is a healthy BMI range?
According to WHO standards, a healthy BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9. For Asian populations, including China, the healthy range is typically 18.5 to 23.9, as research shows health risks may increase at lower BMI levels in these populations.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, so athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI despite being healthy. Age, gender, and ethnicity can also affect the interpretation of BMI.
Why are there different BMI standards for China?
Research has shown that Asian populations, including Chinese people, tend to have higher body fat percentages at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations. Therefore, China uses slightly lower cutoff points to better reflect health risks in its population.
How often should I check my BMI?
For most adults, checking BMI once every few months is sufficient. If you're actively trying to lose or gain weight, you might check more frequently, but remember that BMI is just one indicator of health.