How BMI is calculated
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²
Example: a person who weighs 65 kg and is 165 cm (1.65 m) tall has a BMI of 65 ÷ (1.65 × 1.65) = 23.9. Using Asian cut-offs, that is just into the overweight range; on the WHO chart it is normal.
BMI chart for 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 | 23.0 – 24.9 | 25.0 – 29.9 |
| Obese | 25 and above | 30 and above |
Why Indians use lower BMI cut-offs
Studies show that South Asians tend to carry more body fat, especially around the belly, at the same BMI as Europeans. They also develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels. A WHO expert consultation (2004) recommended lower action points for Asians, and the WHO Asia-Pacific guidance and Indian consensus guidelines treat a BMI of 23 or more as overweight and 25 or more as obese for Indian adults.
When BMI can mislead
- Muscular people can have a high BMI without extra fat. Check your body fat too.
- Older adults may have a normal BMI but low muscle.
- Pregnant women should use the pregnancy weight gain calculator instead.
- Children and teens need BMI-for-age charts from a paediatrician.
Your waist-to-height ratio is a useful second check because belly fat matters most for health.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal BMI for Indians?
For Indian adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 22.9 is considered normal. 23 to 24.9 is overweight and 25 or above is obese, using Asian cut-offs.
Is the BMI formula different for men and women?
No. Adult BMI uses the same formula and the same chart for men and women. Women naturally have a little more body fat at the same BMI.
How do I calculate BMI with height in feet?
Choose ‘ft + in’ in the height box and enter your feet and inches. The calculator converts it to metres for you (1 foot = 30.48 cm, 1 inch = 2.54 cm).
What BMI is healthy for a 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) person?
A healthy weight for 165 cm is about 50–62 kg using Asian cut-offs, or 50–68 kg using the WHO chart.
Can I use this BMI calculator for children?
No. This tool is for adults aged 18 and over. Children's BMI must be compared with age- and sex-specific growth charts.
Sources
- World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight fact sheet. Link
- WHO Expert Consultation. Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies. The Lancet, 2004. Link
- Misra A, et al. Consensus statement for diagnosis of obesity, abdominal obesity and the metabolic syndrome for Asian Indians. Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 2009.
- WHO Western Pacific Region. The Asia-Pacific perspective: redefining obesity and its treatment, 2000.
Last updated: 20 October 2026. Read our editorial policy.
