Body Fat Calculator

This calculator uses BMI, which does not directly measure body fat. A DEXA scan can be within 1-2% accuracy for body fat percentage, while BMI-based estimates can be off by 5-10% or more. For example, a 6'0" male weighing 220 lbs has a BMI of 29.8, but his actual body fat could range from 18% (athletic) to 32% (sedentary). If you want a more precise body fat estimate, use a dedicated body fat calculator that incorporates waist, neck, and hip measurements. For general health tracking, BMI is a quick screening tool, but it should not replace clinical measurements.

For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. For example, a 5'7" person weighing 145 lbs has a BMI of 22.7, which is in the healthy range. A BMI below 18.5 is underweight, 25.0–29.9 is overweight, and 30.0 or higher is obese. However, BMI thresholds are the same for men and women, despite differences in body composition. Athletes may have a BMI over 25 with low body fat. Use this calculator to check your category, then consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

BMI only uses height and weight, so it cannot tell if extra weight comes from muscle or fat. Muscle is denser than fat, so a muscular person can have a high BMI while being very lean. For instance, a 5'11" rugby player weighing 230 lbs has a BMI of 32.1 (obese), but his body fat might be only 15%. In contrast, a sedentary person of the same height and weight could have 35% body fat. To get a clearer picture, use a body fat calculator that includes waist circumference or skinfold measurements.

Losing weight through diet and exercise can lower your BMI. A 5'8" person weighing 190 lbs has a BMI of 28.9. Losing 15 lbs would bring them to 175 lbs and a BMI of 26.6, moving closer to the overweight/healthy border. A safe rate is 1–2 lbs per week, which requires a calorie deficit of 500–1000 calories per day. Use our calorie calculator to determine your daily needs, and our TDEE calculator to estimate total energy expenditure. Combining reduced calories with 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly can help sustain weight loss.

No, BMI for children and teens (ages 2–19) is interpreted differently. It uses age- and sex-specific percentiles because body composition changes with growth. For example, a 10-year-old boy with a BMI of 18 might be at the 75th percentile, which is considered healthy, while the same BMI for an adult is normal. This calculator is designed for adults 20 and older. For children, consult a pediatrician or use a BMI-for-age percentile calculator. Our BMI calculator also provides adult categories only.

A BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity, which raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. For example, a 5'6" person weighing 200 lbs has a BMI of 32.3. Losing just 5–10% of body weight (10–20 lbs) can improve blood pressure and blood sugar. Start by tracking your calorie intake with our calorie calculator and increasing physical activity gradually. Even a 500-calorie daily deficit can lead to about 1 lb of weight loss per week. Consult a healthcare provider for a personalized plan, especially if you have other health conditions.