What is a normal BMI range?

BMI categories: Under 18.5 = Underweight, 18.5–24.9 = Normal weight, 25–29.9 = Overweight, 30 and above = Obese. For Asian populations (including Indians), overweight is often classified at BMI 23+ and obese at 27.5+.

How is BMI calculated?

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². For example, if you weigh 70 kg and are 1.75 m tall: BMI = 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 70 ÷ 3.0625 = 22.86, which is Normal weight.

Is BMI accurate for Indians?

BMI is a general indicator. For South Asians including Indians, health risks like diabetes and heart disease appear at lower BMI values. Many experts recommend using BMI 23 as the overweight threshold for Indians instead of 25.

What is the ideal weight for my height?

Ideal weight depends on your height. For a person 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) tall, the normal BMI range (18.5–24.9) corresponds to roughly 52–70 kg. Use the calculator to get your specific ideal weight range.

BMI Calculator — Check Your Body Mass Index & Healthy Weight Range

Gender

Age (years)

Weight

kg lbs

Height

cm ft / in

Standard

🇮🇳 Indian 🌍 WHO Global

Indian standard: Overweight ≥ 23, Obese ≥ 27.5

Enter your details above to see your BMI

BMI Scale

Under 18.5Underweight

18.5 – 22.9Normal

23.0 – 27.4Overweight

27.5 +Obese

Ideal Weight by Height

150 cm (4'11")41–56 kg

155 cm (5'1")44–60 kg

160 cm (5'3")47–64 kg

165 cm (5'5")50–68 kg

170 cm (5'7")54–72 kg

175 cm (5'9")57–76 kg

180 cm (5'11")60–81 kg

Why Indian Standard?

South Asians carry more body fat at lower BMI values due to genetic differences. Indian guidelines recommend Overweight ≥ 23 and Obese ≥ 27.5 — compared to WHO's 25 and 30. Using Indian standard gives a more accurate health picture for Indians.

FAQ — BMI Calculator

What is BMI and how is it calculated? +

BMI = weight(kg) ÷ height(m)². Example: 70 kg at 170 cm → BMI = 70 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 24.2 — Normal Weight.

What is a healthy BMI for Indians? +

18.5 to 22.9 is healthy by Indian standard. 23+ is overweight and 27.5+ is obese — lower than WHO thresholds — because South Asians have higher body fat at similar BMI compared to other ethnicities.

How accurate is the body fat % estimate? +

It uses the Deurenberg formula (1991) which estimates body fat from BMI, age, and gender. It's a reasonable approximation but a DEXA scan or body composition scale gives exact numbers. Use it as a ballpark, not a clinical measurement.

Is BMI accurate for muscular people? +

No. Muscle weighs more than fat so athletes can have high BMI with very low body fat. For such individuals, waist-to-height ratio or body fat % are better indicators.

What is BMR and daily calorie need? +

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the calories your body burns at complete rest to maintain basic functions. Daily calorie need = BMR × 1.55 (moderate activity). Eat less to lose weight, more to gain.

BMI Calculator — Body Mass Index & Ideal Weight

BMI Scale

Ideal Weight by Height

Why Indian Standard?

FAQ — BMI Calculator

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