Calculating BMI: An Overview
Recent research on obesity has shown that a relatively accurate measure of body fatness can be made using a calculation known as
body mass index, or
BMI for short. BMI does not measure body fat directly but correlates closely to direct measures of body fat in most people.
The only measurements needed to calculate BMI are a person's height and weight. Because the BMI calculation requires only these two simple measurements, it is considered the most inexpensive and easy method to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems
(see Health Effects of Obesity).
Specifics on Calculating BMI
BMI is calculated the same way for both adults and children. The BMI calculation is based on the following formula depending on whether you are using the metric system or the English system.
Metric System
If you're using the metric system, the BMI formula is:
Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (weight (kg) / [height (m)2]).
Since height is commonly measured in centimeters, divide height in centimeters by 100 to obtain height in meters before you use the formula.
To calculate BMI, take the weight (kg) and divide it by height (m). Then divide that number once again by height (m). Round to the second decimal place.
BMI Calculation: 68 ÷ (1.65)2 = 24.98
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