How to Calculate BMI by Hand

Introduction:

Metric System:

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Information

Collect your weight in kilograms (kg) and height in meters (m).

Step 2: Square the Height

Multiply your height by itself (height * height) to obtain the height squared.

Step 3: Calculate BMI

Divide your weight in kilograms by the height squared using the formula:

$$[BMI=\frac{\text{Weight (kg)}}{{\text{Height (m)}}^2}]$$

Step 4: Interpret the Results

Refer to the BMI Categories for interpretation.

Imperial System:

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Information

Collect your weight in pounds (lbs) and height in inches (in).

Step 2: Square the Height

Multiply your height by itself (height * height) to obtain the height squared.

Step 3: Convert Measurements

Convert weight from pounds to kilograms using the conversion factor: 1 lb = 0.453592 kg. Convert height from inches to meters using the conversion factor: 1 in = 0.0254 m.

Step 4: Calculate BMI

Divide your weight in kilograms by the height squared (in meters) using the formula:

$$[BMI=\frac{\text{Weight (kg)}}{{\text{Height (m)}}^2}]$$

Step 5: Interpret the Results

Refer to the BMI Categories for interpretation.

Example Calculation (Metric):

Weight: 70 kg
Height: 1.75 m

$$[BMI=\frac{70}{(1.75{)}^2}][BMI\approx \frac{70}{3.0625}][BMI\approx 22.87]$$

Example Calculation (Imperial):

Weight: 154 lbs
Height: 68 inches

Convert weight to kilograms: $$(154\text{lbs×0.453592}\text{kg/lb≈69.85}\text{kg})$$

Convert height to meters:$$(68\text{in×0.0254}\text{m/in≈1.73}\text{m})$$

$$[BMI=\frac{69.85}{(1.73{)}^2}][BMI\approx \frac{69.85}{2.9929}][BMI\approx 23.28]$$

In both examples, the calculated BMI falls within the “Normal Weight” range.

Interpret the Results

After calculating your BMI, it’s essential to interpret the results using commonly accepted BMI Categories:

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Normal Weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
• Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
• Obesity: BMI 30 or greater

Understanding these categories provides context to your BMI, helping you gauge whether your body weight is within a healthy range. Keep in mind that while BMI is a useful screening tool, it doesn’t account for factors like muscle mass or fat distribution. For a more personalized analysis of your health, consult with a healthcare professional.

Conclusion:

By following these steps, you can manually calculate your BMI in both the metric and Imperial systems. Remember that BMI is a screening tool, and consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized insights is recommended for a comprehensive understanding of your health.

Questions and Answers:

For additional information on BMI and its significance, you can explore resources on Wikipedia.