BMI Chart
Reference table for adult body mass index categories (WHO). Use our BMI calculator for a personal result.
| Classification | BMI (kg/m²) |
|---|---|
| Severe thinness | < 16 |
| Moderate thinness | 16 – 16.9 |
| Mild thinness | 17 – 18.4 |
| Normal | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese Class I | 30 – 34.9 |
| Obese Class II | 35 – 39.9 |
| Obese Class III | ≥ 40 |
How to read the BMI chart
Body mass index (BMI) is a single number calculated from your height and weight. Find your BMI value in the table above and read across to see which category it falls into. The World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC use these same cut-off points to screen for weight-related health risk in adults aged 20 and over. The healthy (normal) range is 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m².
How BMI is calculated
Metric: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²). Example: 70 kg at 1.75 m → 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.9 (normal).
Imperial: BMI = 703 × weight (lb) ÷ height² (in²). Example: 154 lb at 69 in → 703 × 154 ÷ (69 × 69) ≈ 22.7. You don't need to do the maths — our BMI calculator does it instantly in either unit.
BMI by height and weight (quick reference)
Roughly, these are the weights that mark the upper edge of the healthy range (BMI 24.9) at common heights — go above these and you cross into "overweight":
| Height | Healthy weight range |
|---|---|
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 44–64 kg (97–140 lb) |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 49–72 kg (108–159 lb) |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 56–81 kg (122–179 lb) |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 62–91 kg (137–200 lb) |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | 69–101 kg (153–223 lb) |
Does the chart differ for men, women, and children?
The adult chart above applies equally to men and women — the formula and thresholds are identical. Children and teens are different: they use age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles, not fixed cut-offs. See our child BMI calculator for that.
Limitations of the BMI chart
BMI is a population-level screening tool, not a diagnosis. It cannot tell muscle from fat, so athletes may read as "overweight" despite low body fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution, age, or ethnicity — the WHO recommends lower thresholds (23 / 27.5) for Asian adults. Pair your BMI with waist circumference and, ideally, a conversation with a health professional. Learn more in our guide on BMI vs body fat percentage.
Find your exact number
Enter your height and weight for an instant personal result — metric or US units.
Open BMI Calculator →