BMIBox Reference Guide

BMI Chart for Adults

Use this BMI chart to compare your body mass index with standard adult BMI categories. You can check whether a BMI falls in the underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obesity range.

Quick Reference

Adult BMI Categories at a Glance

These BMI ranges apply to most adults age 20 and older. BMI is a screening tool, not a full health diagnosis.

Below 18.5

Underweight

BMI is below the standard healthy weight range.

18.5–24.9

Healthy Weight

BMI falls within the standard healthy adult range.

25.0–29.9

Overweight

BMI is above the standard healthy weight range.

30.0+

Obesity

BMI falls within the adult obesity range.

BMI Category Chart

Adult BMI Category Table

Use this table to quickly match your BMI number with the standard adult weight category.

BMI Range Weight Category What It Means
Below 18.5 Underweight Your BMI is below the standard healthy adult range.
18.5 to 24.9 Healthy Weight Your BMI is within the standard healthy adult range.
25.0 to 29.9 Overweight Your BMI is above the standard healthy adult range.
30.0 or higher Obesity Your BMI is within the adult obesity range.

Note: BMI does not directly measure body fat, muscle mass, bone density, or overall health.

Obesity Classification

BMI Obesity Class Chart

Adult obesity is often divided into three BMI classes.

BMI Range Obesity Class
30.0 to 34.9 Class 1 Obesity
35.0 to 39.9 Class 2 Obesity
40.0 or higher Class 3 Obesity

Want an Exact BMI Result?

A BMI chart is helpful for quick reference, but the calculator gives a more exact result based on your height and weight.

Use BMI Calculator

Metric BMI Chart

BMI Chart by Height in cm and Weight in kg

This table shows estimated healthy weight ranges, where overweight starts, and where obesity starts for common adult heights.

Height Healthy Weight Range Overweight Starts At Obesity Starts At
145 cm38.9–52.3 kg52.6 kg63.1 kg
150 cm41.6–56.0 kg56.3 kg67.5 kg
155 cm44.4–59.8 kg60.1 kg72.1 kg
160 cm47.4–63.7 kg64.0 kg76.8 kg
165 cm50.4–67.8 kg68.1 kg81.7 kg
170 cm53.5–72.0 kg72.3 kg86.7 kg
175 cm56.7–76.3 kg76.6 kg91.9 kg
180 cm59.9–80.7 kg81.0 kg97.2 kg
185 cm63.3–85.2 kg85.6 kg102.7 kg
190 cm66.8–89.9 kg90.3 kg108.3 kg
195 cm70.3–94.7 kg95.1 kg114.1 kg
200 cm74.0–99.6 kg100.0 kg120.0 kg

US / Imperial BMI Chart

BMI Chart by Height in Feet and Weight in Pounds

This table shows estimated healthy weight ranges and BMI category cutoffs using feet, inches, and pounds.

Height Healthy Weight Range Overweight Starts At Obesity Starts At
4’10”89–119 lb120 lb144 lb
5’0″95–128 lb128 lb153 lb
5’2″101–136 lb137 lb164 lb
5’4″108–145 lb146 lb175 lb
5’6″115–154 lb155 lb186 lb
5’8″122–164 lb164 lb197 lb
5’10”129–174 lb174 lb209 lb
6’0″137–184 lb184 lb221 lb
6’2″145–194 lb195 lb234 lb
6’4″152–205 lb205 lb246 lb

BMI Formula

How to Read a BMI Chart

BMI stands for body mass index. It compares body weight with height. A BMI chart gives a quick reference, while a calculator gives a more exact number.

The metric BMI formula is:

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)2

Example

If someone weighs 70 kg and is 1.75 m tall:

BMI = 70 ÷ 1.75² = 22.9

A BMI of 22.9 falls in the healthy weight range for most adults.

BMI Limitations

What BMI Charts Do Not Show

BMI charts are useful for quick screening, but they do not show the full picture of health. BMI does not directly measure body fat, waist size, muscle mass, bone density, or metabolic health.

For a more complete view, BMI can be considered alongside waist-to-height ratio, medical history, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, activity level, and professional health guidance.

Useful next step

Waist-to-height ratio can add context because it compares waist size with height. NICE recommends keeping waist size to less than half of height. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Try Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator

BMI Chart FAQs

Quick Answers About BMI Charts

What is a BMI chart?

A BMI chart is a reference table that shows body mass index ranges and adult weight categories. It helps you see whether a BMI falls in the underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obesity range.

What is a normal BMI range?

A normal or healthy BMI range for most adults is 18.5 to 24.9. BMI below 18.5 is underweight, while BMI 25 or higher is above the healthy weight range.

What BMI is considered overweight?

A BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is usually considered overweight for adults. A BMI of 30.0 or higher is usually in the obesity range.

What BMI is considered obese?

For adults, a BMI of 30.0 or higher is usually considered obesity. Obesity is also divided into Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 based on BMI level.

Is BMI different for men and women?

For adults, BMI is calculated the same way for men and women. However, BMI does not directly show body fat percentage, muscle mass, or fat distribution.

Is a BMI chart accurate?

A BMI chart is useful for quick screening, but it is not a complete health assessment. It does not directly measure body fat, waist size, muscle mass, or medical risk.

Sources

  • CDC: Adult BMI categories and obesity classes.
  • NICE: Waist size should be less than half of height.
  • NHS: Waist-to-height ratio can be used alongside BMI.