BMI Chart for Adults: What's a Healthy BMI? (2026 Guide)

BMI is a number calculated from your height and weight. It's not perfect, but it's the simplest screening tool to check if your weight is in a healthy range. Here's what the numbers mean.

BMI Ranges

• Under 18.5: Underweight
• 18.5 to 24.9: Normal (healthy weight)
• 25.0 to 29.9: Overweight
• 30.0 and above: Obese

Calculate Your BMI

The formula is: weight (kg) / height (m) squared. Or skip the math and use the BMI Calculator. Enter your height and weight and get your number instantly.

What BMI Gets Wrong

BMI doesn't account for muscle mass. A bodybuilder and an overweight person at the same height can have the same BMI. It doesn't measure where you carry your weight (belly fat is more dangerous than hip fat). And it doesn't consider age, sex, or bone density.

Think of BMI as a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your BMI is outside the normal range, it's worth a conversation with your doctor. But don't panic about a number.

Better Metrics to Track

If you want a more complete picture of your body composition, add these to your tracking:

• Waist circumference: Under 40 inches for men, under 35 inches for women
• Body fat percentage: Use the Body Fat Calculator
• Waist-to-hip ratio: Under 0.9 for men, under 0.85 for women