Standard BMI Classification (WHO)

The World Health Organization's international BMI standards for adults aged 20 and above:

Classification	BMI Range (kg/m²)	Health Risk
Severe Thinness	< 16.0	High risk of health problems
Moderate Thinness	16.0 - 16.9	Moderate risk
Mild Thinness	17.0 - 18.4	Low risk
Normal Range	18.5 - 24.9	Average risk (optimal)
Overweight (Pre-obese)	25.0 - 29.9	Increased risk
Obese Class I	30.0 - 34.9	Moderate risk
Obese Class II	35.0 - 39.9	Severe risk
Obese Class III	≥ 40.0	Very severe risk

Asian BMI Classification

Modified BMI standards for Asian populations, who face increased health risks at lower BMI levels:

Classification	Asian BMI	Standard BMI	Risk Level
Underweight	< 18.5	< 18.5	Low (but risk of other problems)
Normal Range	18.5 - 22.9	18.5 - 24.9	Average
Overweight	23.0 - 27.4	25.0 - 29.9	Increased
Obese	≥ 27.5	≥ 30.0	High

Note: These standards apply to East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian populations.

BMI Chart by Height and Weight

Find your BMI by locating your height and weight in this chart:

Metric (kg and cm)

Height (cm)	Underweight (<18.5)	Normal (18.5-24.9)	Overweight (25-29.9)	Obese (≥30)
150	< 42 kg	42 - 56 kg	56 - 67 kg	≥ 68 kg
155	< 44 kg	44 - 60 kg	60 - 72 kg	≥ 72 kg
160	< 47 kg	47 - 64 kg	64 - 77 kg	≥ 77 kg
165	< 50 kg	50 - 68 kg	68 - 82 kg	≥ 82 kg
170	< 53 kg	53 - 72 kg	72 - 87 kg	≥ 87 kg
175	< 57 kg	57 - 76 kg	76 - 92 kg	≥ 92 kg
180	< 60 kg	60 - 81 kg	81 - 97 kg	≥ 97 kg
185	< 63 kg	63 - 85 kg	85 - 103 kg	≥ 103 kg
190	< 67 kg	67 - 90 kg	90 - 108 kg	≥ 108 kg

Imperial (lbs and inches)

Height (ft/in)	Underweight (<18.5)	Normal (18.5-24.9)	Overweight (25-29.9)	Obese (≥30)
5'0"	< 92 lbs	92 - 123 lbs	123 - 148 lbs	≥ 148 lbs
5'2"	< 99 lbs	99 - 132 lbs	132 - 159 lbs	≥ 159 lbs
5'4"	< 107 lbs	107 - 141 lbs	141 - 170 lbs	≥ 170 lbs
5'6"	< 114 lbs	114 - 150 lbs	150 - 181 lbs	≥ 181 lbs
5'8"	< 122 lbs	122 - 160 lbs	160 - 193 lbs	≥ 193 lbs
5'10"	< 129 lbs	129 - 170 lbs	170 - 205 lbs	≥ 205 lbs
6'0"	< 137 lbs	137 - 180 lbs	180 - 217 lbs	≥ 217 lbs
6'2"	< 145 lbs	145 - 191 lbs	191 - 230 lbs	≥ 230 lbs
6'4"	< 153 lbs	153 - 202 lbs	202 - 243 lbs	≥ 243 lbs

Body Fat Percentage Comparison

While BMI measures weight relative to height, body fat percentage directly measures fat vs. lean tissue:

Category	Men	Women
Essential Fat	2-5%	10-13%
Athletes	6-13%	14-20%
Fitness	14-17%	21-24%
Average	18-24%	25-31%
Obese	25%+	32%+

Waist Circumference Guidelines

Waist circumference measures abdominal fat and complements BMI for health risk assessment:

Risk Level	Men	Women
Low Risk	< 37 inches (94 cm)	< 31.5 inches (80 cm)
Increased Risk	37-40 inches (94-102 cm)	31.5-35 inches (80-88 cm)
High Risk	> 40 inches (102 cm)	> 35 inches (88 cm)

Note: For Asian populations, high risk begins at 35.5 inches (90 cm) for men and 31.5 inches (80 cm) for women.

How to Use These Charts

Step 1: Calculate your exact BMI using our free calculator for the most accurate result.

Step 2: Find your category in the appropriate chart (standard or Asian if applicable).

Step 3: Measure your waist circumference for additional context.

Step 4: Consider other factors: age, muscle mass, fitness level, and overall health markers.

Step 5: Consult with your healthcare provider to interpret your results and create a personalized health plan.

Important Reminders

• BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure
• Individual health varies – some people are healthy outside "normal" ranges
• Athletes and muscular individuals may have high BMI despite low body fat
• Use multiple measurements for comprehensive health assessment
• Focus on sustainable healthy habits, not just numbers
• Consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice

Calculate Your BMI Now

Use our free BMI calculator for instant, accurate results. Then explore our blog for comprehensive guidance on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.