BMI formula
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height (m)²
Example: 70 kg and 170 cm (1.70 m) → 70 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.2.
In pounds and inches: BMI = 703 × Weight (lb) ÷ Height (in)². The calculator converts for you.
BMI categories for Indians
Asians, including Indians, tend to carry more body fat and face a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease at a lower BMI than Europeans. The WHO expert consultation (2004) and India's consensus guidelines (2009) therefore use lower cut-offs for Indian adults:
| Category | Asian-Indian BMI | WHO international BMI |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 | Below 18.5 |
| Normal | 18.5 – 22.9 | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 23 – 24.9 | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese | 25 and above | 30 and above |
So a BMI of 24.2 is “normal” on the WHO scale but “overweight” on the Asian-Indian scale. The calculator uses the Asian scale by default; switch to WHO if you prefer.
Healthy weight for your height
| Height | Healthy weight |
|---|---|
| 150 cm (4′11″) | 41.6 – 51.8 kg |
| 155 cm (5′1″) | 44.4 – 55.3 kg |
| 160 cm (5′3″) | 47.4 – 58.9 kg |
| 165 cm (5′5″) | 50.4 – 62.6 kg |
| 170 cm (5′7″) | 53.5 – 66.5 kg |
| 175 cm (5′9″) | 56.7 – 70.4 kg |
| 180 cm (5′11″) | 59.9 – 74.5 kg |
| 185 cm (6′1″) | 63.3 – 78.7 kg |
Limits of BMI
- BMI does not tell fat from muscle — athletes and bodybuilders can show as overweight while being lean.
- It doesn't show where fat is stored. Belly fat is riskier: a waist above 90 cm for men or 80 cm for women is a warning sign for Indians even at a normal BMI.
- It is meant for adults (18+). Children and teenagers need age- and sex-specific BMI percentile charts.
- It is not suitable during pregnancy.
Improving your BMI safely
- Aim for 0.25–0.5 kg a week — losing 5–10% of your weight already lowers blood sugar and blood pressure.
- Cut refined carbs and sugary drinks first; fill half your plate with vegetables and add protein (dal, eggs, paneer, curd).
- Walk 7,000–10,000 steps a day and add strength training twice a week.
- Sleep 7–8 hours — poor sleep raises appetite.
- If you are underweight, add calorie-dense, nutritious foods (nuts, milk, ghee in moderation) and see a doctor if you are losing weight without trying.
Use our Calorie Calculator to find how much to eat for your goal.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal BMI for Indians?
18.5 to 22.9. Indian adults with a BMI of 23–24.9 are considered overweight and 25 or more obese, which is lower than the WHO's international cut-offs.
How is BMI calculated?
Divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres. 70 kg at 1.70 m gives 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.2.
What is the ideal weight for 5 feet 7 inches?
About 53.5–66.5 kg for an Indian adult (BMI 18.5–22.9), or up to 72 kg on the WHO scale.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
No. It can overstate fat in muscular people and understate it in older adults. Waist size and a doctor's assessment give a fuller picture.
Is BMI different for men and women?
The adult BMI formula and cut-offs are the same for men and women, though women naturally carry more body fat at the same BMI.
What is the BMI for 5 feet 2 inches and 60 kg?
157.5 cm and 60 kg give a BMI of about 24.2 — overweight on the Asian-Indian scale and normal on the WHO scale.