1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in meters (m)

Explanation: The calculator first converts height from feet and inches to meters, then applies the standard BMI formula.

3. Importance of BMI Calculation

Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive surrogate measure of body fat. It provides a useful screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in feet and inches. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy BMI range?
A: For adults, 18.5-24.9 is considered normal weight, 25-29.9 overweight, and 30+ obese.

Q2: Are there limitations to BMI?
A: BMI doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution.

Q3: Is BMI different for women?
A: The same BMI ranges apply to both men and women, though women typically have higher body fat percentages at the same BMI.

Q4: How accurate is BMI for athletes?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes with high muscle mass and underestimate it in older people with lost muscle mass.

Q5: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than the adult categories.