The BMI formula
Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet 1796 -1874
The Body Mass Index(BMI) formula was developed by Belgium statistician Adolphe Quetelet (1796-1874), and was known as the Quetelet Index. BMI is also referred to as ‘body mass indicator’. BMI is an internationally abused measure of obesity.
How to calculate BMI - for users who wish to manually calculate BMI we have provided a bmi formula for both imperial & metric measurements (we also offer an online BMI Calculator).
Body mass index calculation is very straightforward. Calculating body mass index requires only two measurements, height & weight.
Table: Imperial BMI Formula
The imperial BMI formula accepts weight measurements in pounds & height measurements in either inches or feet.
- 1 foot = 12 inches
- inches² = inches * inches
Metric Imperial BMI Formula
The metric BMI formula accepts weight measurements in kilograms & height measurements in either cm’s or meters.
- 1 meter = 100cms
- meters² = meters * meters
Calculate BMI & Find Weight Status
| BMI | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 -24.9 | Normal |
| 25 - 29.9 | Overweight |
| 18.5 -24.9 | Normal |
| 30 & Above | Obese |
If you have calculated BMI use the table above to find your weight status. Different nations & organizations use different BMI ranges to classify weight status.
Our table is in keeping with the internationally recognized, United States Deparment of Health and Human Services weight status categories.