Body Mass Index · WHO & Indian standards · Ideal weight · Body fat % · Health risks
🇮🇳 Metric (kg / cm)
🇺🇸 Imperial (lbs / ft·in)
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1018.5253040+
Underweight
Normal
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Your BMI
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Ideal Weight
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Est. Body Fat %
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To Ideal Range
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Est. BMR (kcal)
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Waist Goal (cm)
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WHO Global vs Indian (ICMR) BMI Standards
🌍 WHO Global Standard
Underweight< 18.5
Normal weight18.5 – 24.9
Overweight25.0 – 29.9
Obese≥ 30.0
🇮🇳 Indian / Asian (ICMR)
Underweight< 18.5
Normal weight18.5 – 22.9
Overweight23.0 – 24.9
Obese≥ 25.0
Your BMI is being evaluated against both standards.
Associated Health Risks at Your BMI
Ideal Weight Table by Height
Height
WHO Normal (18.5–24.9)
Indian Normal (18.5–22.9)
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BMI Calculator – Body Mass Index for Adults | India, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, UAE
SuccessMate's free BMI calculator uses the WHO standard formula (BMI = weight in kg ÷ height in metres²) to compute your Body Mass Index, health category, ideal weight range, estimated body fat percentage and Basal Metabolic Rate. Supports both metric (kg/cm) and imperial (lbs/ft) units. Used by adults in India, the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and UAE for health check-ups, insurance assessments, gym goal setting, doctor consultations and weight loss planning. No login, instant results.
Why India Uses Different BMI Cut-Offs Than the West
The WHO global BMI standard classifies obesity from 30.0 and overweight from 25.0. However, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and WHO Asian expert group recommend stricter thresholds for South Asians: overweight from 23.0, obesity from 25.0. This is because South Asians — including Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans and Indian-origin populations in the UK, Canada and Australia — develop Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease at significantly lower BMI and body fat percentages than Western populations of the same BMI.
BMI Limitations — What It Cannot Tell You
BMI is a useful population-level screening tool but has important individual limitations. Athletes and bodybuilders have high BMI due to muscle mass despite low body fat. Elderly people often have normal BMI but high body fat and low muscle. Pregnant women cannot use BMI. For a complete picture, also check: waist circumference (risk above 80cm for women, 90cm for men in India), fasting blood glucose, lipid profile and blood pressure. BMI is a starting point — not a diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for personalised health advice, whether you are in India, USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia or UAE.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy BMI for Indians? ▾
For Indians and South Asians, ICMR recommends: Normal 18.5–22.9, Overweight 23–24.9, Obese 25+. This is stricter than WHO's global standard (Normal up to 24.9, Obese from 30) because South Asians develop metabolic disease at lower BMI. This calculator shows both standards so you can see where you stand under each.
How is BMI calculated? ▾
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². Example: 70kg, 170cm → 70 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.2 (Normal by WHO, borderline Overweight by ICMR Indian standard). For imperial units: BMI = (weight in lbs × 703) ÷ height in inches².
What is the ideal weight for 5 feet 4 inches height? ▾
5 feet 4 inches = 162.6cm. Ideal weight: WHO Normal range = 48.9–65.8 kg. Indian ICMR normal = 48.9–60.6 kg. For women: typically aim for the lower half of the range. For men: the higher half. Use the "Set Wake-Up Time" button to calculate your specific ideal range based on height.
Does BMI work for athletes and bodybuilders? ▾
BMI is not accurate for athletes — muscle weighs more than fat, so muscular people show high BMI despite being lean and healthy. A cricketer or footballer may have BMI 26–28 (overweight) but very low body fat. For athletes, body fat percentage measurement (DEXA scan, skinfold calipers or bioelectrical impedance) is more meaningful than BMI.
What waist size is healthy? ▾
Waist circumference is as important as BMI for cardiovascular risk. Indian guidelines (ICMR/WHO Asia): risk begins above 80cm for women and 90cm for men. Western guidelines (used in USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia): risk above 88cm for women and 102cm for men. Belly fat (visceral fat) is more dangerous than fat elsewhere — even people with normal BMI can have high metabolic risk if waist is large.