BMI Calculator for Women
Calculate body mass index for women with the WHO category, the healthy weight range for your height, BMI Prime, ponderal index, waist-to-height ratio and an estimated body fat percentage that accounts for age and sex. Example: a woman 5 ft 5 in (65 in) and 140 lb has a BMI of 23.3, in the normal range.
Show steps
How to use the BMI Calculator for Women
- Choose US or metric units, then enter your height and weight.
- Enter your age; add your waist measurement if you want the waist-to-height ratio.
- Press Calculate to see your BMI, category, healthy weight range and body fat estimate.
Formula and method
BMI = weight in kg / (height in m)^2, or 703 x weight in lb / (height in in)^2. BMI Prime = BMI / 25. Ponderal index = kg / m^3. Estimated body fat for women (Deurenberg) = 1.20 x BMI + 0.23 x age – 5.4. Waist-to-height ratio = waist / height.
WHO BMI categories for adult women
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 to 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25.0 to 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 to 34.9 | Obesity class I |
| 35.0 to 39.9 | Obesity class II |
| 40.0 and above | Obesity class III |
Healthy weight range by height
| Height | Healthy weight (lb) | Healthy weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 0 in | 95 to 127 | 43 to 57 |
| 5 ft 3 in | 104 to 140 | 47 to 63 |
| 5 ft 5 in | 111 to 150 | 50 to 68 |
| 5 ft 7 in | 118 to 159 | 54 to 72 |
| 5 ft 10 in | 129 to 174 | 58 to 79 |
Why BMI reads differently for women
At the same BMI, women carry more body fat than men on average, which is why the body fat estimate here uses a sex-specific term. BMI also ignores muscle mass and fat distribution, so waist-to-height ratio is a useful second check.
Pregnancy and menopause
BMI is not used to judge weight during pregnancy; use your pre-pregnancy BMI to find the recommended gain instead. After menopause, fat tends to shift toward the waist, so tracking waist size alongside BMI gives a fuller picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy BMI for a woman?
18.5 to 24.9 according to the WHO and CDC.
Is the BMI formula different for women?
No. The formula is the same for everyone, but body fat estimates and interpretation differ by sex.
How do I calculate my BMI?
Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared.
Is BMI accurate for athletic women?
Not always, because muscle weighs more than fat. Waist measurement and body fat are better checks.
Does BMI apply during pregnancy?
No. Use pre-pregnancy BMI to set a weight gain target.
What waist-to-height ratio is healthy?
Staying under 0.5 is a common guideline.
Sources
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