BMI, or body mass index, is a simple number that compares your weight with your height. It is often used as a first check of whether an adult’s weight may fall within a lower- or higher-risk range.
How is BMI calculated?
In metric units, BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared:
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)2
You do not need to work it out manually. Enter your height and weight into the Jobomba BMI calculator to get an instant result, category, and healthy-weight estimate.
What do the adult BMI ranges mean?
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5–24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25.0–29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 or higher | Obesity |
These ranges are broad screening categories, not personal targets. A result near a boundary does not automatically mean that your health has changed.
Why BMI is useful—but limited
BMI is quick, inexpensive, and useful for spotting broad patterns across large groups of people. However, it does not distinguish fat from muscle, show where fat is stored, or account for every factor that affects health.
For example, a muscular person may have a high BMI without having excess body fat. Age, ethnicity, pregnancy, medical conditions, and fitness level can also affect how meaningful the number is. Children and teenagers should be assessed using age- and sex-specific growth charts rather than adult cut-offs.
How to use your BMI result
- Use it as a starting point, not a diagnosis.
- Consider other signals such as waist measurement, blood pressure, activity, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
- Look at trends over time instead of reacting to one reading.
- Speak with a qualified healthcare professional if you are concerned about your weight or health.