Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) is a way of telling if you are at a healthy weight. The higher your BMI, the greater your risk for obesity and health problems. Use the chart to figure out your BMI.
Body mass index (BMI) is a way to figure out your weight category. It uses the ratio of your height to your weight. BMI is a measure of your weight that is corrected for height. Knowing your BMI is a way to tell if you are at a healthy weight, underweight, or overweight. The higher your BMI, the greater your risk for weight-related health problems.
What BMI means for adults
BMI below 18.5: Underweight
BMI 18.5 to 24.9: Healthy weight or ideal body weight
BMI 25 to 29.9: Overweight
BMI 30 and over: Obese
BMI 40 and over: Severe obesity
Use a tool
Find your BMI with an online BMI calculator tool, such as this one from the CDC:
Using the BMI chart
To figure out your BMI, find your height and weight (or the numbers closest to them) on the table below. Follow each column of numbers to where your height and weight meet on the table. That is your BMI.