BMI Calculator: Accurately Determine Your BMI
Understanding & determining your ideal BMI can be tricky business. If you're not too familiar with the concept, it is a simple measure of body fat based on height & weight for men/women that gives insight into if you're in a health range or not. This BMI calculator is free, simple, & easy to use. If you have any further questions about your health or nutrition schedule a free consultation with Coach John. Enjoy!
BMI Calculator
What's The Formula To Calculate Your BMI?
The widely used formula was created by Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s. Thankfully, it’s pretty straightforward and works for both men and women.
Imperial Formula
BMI = weight (lb) ÷ height2 (in2) × 703
- Step 1. Figure out your height in inches by multiplying the feet by 12 and then adding however many inches you have left over.
- Step 2. Multiply your height in inches by itself.
- Step 3. Divide your weight by your height in inches squared.
- Step 4. Multiply your answer by 703.
One Thing To Consider...
Personally, I'm not a fan of this particular metric. The BMI is a relatively older model of measuring fitness success & it's been shown through plenty of quality research that a healthy BMI doesn't indicate a healthy body.
In fact, the BMI scale can be quite deceiving. Here's an example...
- Person A: Weighs 200lbs at 50% body fat. That means 100lbs is fat while the other 100lbs is other tissue.
- Person B: Weighs 200lbs at 10% body fat. That means 20lbs is fat while the other 180 is other tissue.
On the BMI scale both individuals are considered "obese."
Now, we all know "person A" is significantly obese. How? A body fat percentage above 30% is considered "level 1 obese." This particular individual exceeds level 3 obesity.
"Person B" is in amazing shape. This person is lean, probably quite strong, & clearly not obese based off of his/her body fat percentage.
However, the BMI scale doesn't account for body fat percentage or "leanness" so if you're measuring your success (or lack-thereof) on the BMI scale, you may find it to be quite inaccurate at times.
This begs the question, "what's the value in the BMI scale?"
Measuring something is always better than measuring nothing. So if you're just starting out & you want to get healthier, measuring your BMI is an introductory way to begin your weight loss journey.