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BMI Calculator

Enter your weight and height to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight category using the cut-offs recommended for Asian populations.

kg
cm

Source: WHO Expert Consultation, The Lancet (2004) ↗ · KKM – CPG Management of Obesity (2nd ed., 2023) ↗

This result is an estimate only. Check with your bank or the relevant authority before making decisions.

How BMI is calculated

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². Height in centimetres is converted to metres first (170 cm = 1.70 m). The result is rounded to one decimal place, and the category is taken from that rounded value.

Worked example

Weight 70 kg, height 170 cm:

  1. Height in metres: 1.70 m, so 1.70² = 2.89
  2. BMI = 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.2
  3. Category: Overweight (23.0–27.4)

Under the international cut-offs (25 for overweight), a BMI of 24.2 would still count as normal. The Asian cut-offs are stricter because health risks start earlier.

BMI categories (Asian cut-offs)

BMI Category
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 – 22.9 Normal
23.0 – 27.4 Overweight
27.5 and above Obese

Why your number may differ

Home scales and height measurements can differ by a few percent from a clinic’s, and body weight changes through the day. BMI is a screening tool only; waist circumference and blood tests give a fuller picture.

Frequently asked questions

Why are the BMI cut-offs lower for Malaysians?

Asian populations face a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels than European populations. The Asian cut-offs therefore start overweight at 23 and obesity at 27.5, compared with 25 and 30 internationally.

Is BMI accurate for everyone?

No. BMI does not tell muscle from fat, so muscular people can score high while healthy. It is also not suitable for children or pregnant women. See a doctor for a full assessment.

How is BMI calculated?

BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. For example, 70 kg and 1.70 m gives 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.2.

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