Use our free BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator to find out if your weight is in a healthy range for your height. Supports both metric (kg/cm) and imperial (lbs/inches) units. BMI is a widely used screening tool by Canadian health professionals to assess whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
Health Canada and the Canadian Medical Association use the standard BMI categories: Underweight (below 18.5), Normal weight (18.5–24.9), Overweight (25–29.9), and Obese (30 and above). However, BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure.
BMI is a useful population-level screening tool but has limitations for individuals. It does not account for muscle mass, bone density, age, sex, or ethnic background. Athletes may have a high BMI due to muscle, not fat. Always consult a healthcare professional for a full health assessment.
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²). In imperial units: BMI = (weight in lbs × 703) ÷ height² (inches²). For example, a person who is 70 kg and 1.75 m tall has a BMI of 70 ÷ (1.75²) = 22.9.
For children and teens (ages 2–19), BMI is interpreted differently using age- and sex-specific percentile charts, not the adult categories. This calculator is designed for adults aged 20 and older.