BMI Calculator — with Indian and Asian cut-offs
Body mass index compares your weight to your height. It is a screening number, not a diagnosis — but for Indian and South Asian bodies the risk thresholds sit lower than the standard WHO chart, which is why this calculator shows both.
Calculate your BMI
- Your BMI
- 24.3
- Category
- Overweight (Indian cut-off)
- Healthy range (Indian)
- 54.7–67.7 kg
- Healthy range (WHO)
- 54.7–73.7 kg
Results are estimates for general guidance and are not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.
How BMI is calculated
BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by the square of your height in metres. A person weighing 72 kg at 1.72 m has a BMI of 72 / (1.72 × 1.72) = 24.3.
The formula ignores where the weight sits. A lean, muscular lifter and a sedentary person can share a BMI while carrying very different amounts of body fat, so read BMI alongside waist circumference and body-fat percentage.
Indian and Asian BMI categories
Indian guidelines lower the overweight threshold to 23 and the obesity threshold to 25, because cardiometabolic risk in South Asian populations rises at a lower body mass than in European populations.
- Under 18.5 — underweight
- 18.5 to 22.9 — normal (Indian cut-off)
- 23.0 to 24.9 — overweight (Indian cut-off)
- 25.0 and above — obese (Indian cut-off)
What to do with your result
If your BMI is above the healthy range, a modest calorie deficit plus two to three resistance sessions a week protects muscle while you lose fat. Use the calorie calculator to set the deficit and the AI workout generator to plan the sessions.
If your BMI is below the healthy range, work upwards slowly with a small surplus and progressive strength training rather than a large jump in food volume.
Frequently asked questions
Is BMI accurate for athletes?
No. Muscle is dense, so trained lifters often read as overweight at a healthy body-fat percentage. Use the body fat calculator instead.
What is a healthy BMI for Indians?
18.5 to 22.9 under Indian and Asian-specific cut-offs, compared with 18.5 to 24.9 under the general WHO chart.
Does BMI differ for men and women?
The formula is identical. Women naturally carry more essential fat at the same BMI, which is why body-fat percentage ranges differ by sex.