Calculate Your BMI: A Simple Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions

Calculating Body Mass Index (BMI) involves dividing your weight in kilograms (kg) by the square of your height in meters (m^2). Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to calculate BMI:

1. Convert Your Weight to Kilograms (kg)

- If your weight is in pounds (lbs), multiply it by 0.4536 to convert it to kilograms.

- For example, if you weigh 150 lbs, your weight in kilograms is 150 x 0.4536 = 68.04 kg.

2. Convert Your Height to Meters (m)

- If your height is in feet and inches, convert it to meters as follows:

- Convert your height in feet to inches by multiplying the number of feet by 12.

- Add the number of inches to the converted height.

- Multiply the result by 0.0254 to convert it to meters.

- For example, if you are 5 feet 9 inches tall, your height in meters is:

- Convert feet to inches: 5 x 12 = 60 inches.

- Add the number of inches: 60 + 9 = 69 inches.

- Multiply by 0.0254: 69 x 0.0254 = 1.7526 meters.

3. Calculate BMI

- Now, divide your weight in kilograms (kg) by the square of your height in meters (m^2).

- BMI = Weight (kg) / Height^2 (m^2)

4. Interpret Your BMI

- Once you've calculated your BMI, you can interpret it using the World Health Organization (WHO) BMI classification:

- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5

- Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9

- Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9

- Obesity: BMI of 30 or greater