A BMI chart shows the range of weights considered underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese for each height. For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25.0–29.9 is overweight, and 30.0 or above is obese.
This page gives you the complete adult BMI chart, a healthy weight range table by height, BMI Prime reference, and guidance on how to use the chart correctly.
Adult BMI Categories (WHO Standard)
The World Health Organization defines these categories for adults age 20 and over:
Note: These are adult categories. Children and teens (2–19) use age- and sex-specific percentile charts, which are interpreted differently.
BMI Chart by Height — Healthy Weight Ranges
This table shows the healthy weight range (BMI 18.5–24.9) for common heights. Ranges are in kilograms and pounds.
| Height | Healthy Weight (kg) | Healthy Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 4'10" (147 cm) | 40 – 54 kg | 88 – 119 lb |
| 4'11" (150 cm) | 42 – 56 kg | 92 – 123 lb |
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 43 – 58 kg | 95 – 127 lb |
| 5'1" (155 cm) | 44 – 60 kg | 98 – 132 lb |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 46 – 62 kg | 101 – 136 lb |
| 5'3" (160 cm) | 47 – 64 kg | 104 – 141 lb |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 49 – 66 kg | 108 – 145 lb |
| 5'5" (165 cm) | 50 – 68 kg | 111 – 150 lb |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 52 – 70 kg | 115 – 154 lb |
| 5'7" (170 cm) | 54 – 72 kg | 118 – 159 lb |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 55 – 74 kg | 122 – 164 lb |
| 5'9" (175 cm) | 57 – 76 kg | 125 – 168 lb |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 59 – 79 kg | 129 – 173 lb |
| 5'11" (180 cm) | 60 – 81 kg | 133 – 178 lb |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 63 – 84 kg | 138 – 184 lb |
| 6'1" (185 cm) | 64 – 86 kg | 141 – 189 lb |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 66 – 88 kg | 145 – 194 lb |
| 6'3" (191 cm) | 68 – 91 kg | 149 – 200 lb |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | 70 – 93 kg | 153 – 206 lb |
These ranges use the WHO healthy BMI band of 18.5–24.9. If your weight falls below the first number, you're underweight. Above the second number, you're overweight.
BMI Chart by Category and Height
This detailed chart shows the weight at which each category begins for each height:
| Height | Under | Normal | Over | Obese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" (152 cm) | < 43 kg | 43 – 58 kg | 58 – 69 kg | > 69 kg |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | < 46 kg | 46 – 62 kg | 62 – 74 kg | > 74 kg |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | < 49 kg | 49 – 66 kg | 66 – 79 kg | > 79 kg |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | < 52 kg | 52 – 70 kg | 70 – 84 kg | > 84 kg |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | < 55 kg | 55 – 74 kg | 74 – 89 kg | > 89 kg |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | < 59 kg | 59 – 79 kg | 79 – 95 kg | > 95 kg |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | < 63 kg | 63 – 84 kg | 84 – 100 kg | > 100 kg |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | < 66 kg | 66 – 88 kg | 88 – 105 kg | > 105 kg |
BMI Chart for Men vs Women
The WHO BMI chart uses the same thresholds for men and women — the formula is identical and does not adjust for sex. However, healthy ranges can vary slightly because:
- Men typically carry more muscle and less fat at the same BMI
- Women naturally carry more essential fat for hormonal and reproductive function
- Fat distribution differs — men carry more visceral (abdominal) fat, women more subcutaneous (hip and thigh)
Some clinicians interpret results with sex-adjusted context, but for screening purposes, the standard chart applies to both.
BMI Prime Chart
BMI Prime is your BMI divided by 25 — the upper limit of the healthy range. It's an alternative way to read the chart:
| BMI Prime | Equivalent BMI | Category |
|---|---|---|
| < 0.74 | < 18.5 | Underweight |
| 0.74 – 0.99 | 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 1.00 – 1.19 | 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 1.20 – 1.39 | 30.0 – 34.9 | Obese Class I |
| 1.40 – 1.59 | 35.0 – 39.9 | Obese Class II |
| 1.60 and above | 40.0+ | Obese Class III |
BMI Prime below 1.0 = in the healthy range. Above 1.0 = over it. It's a quick way to see how far you are from the top of the healthy band.
How to Read a BMI Chart Correctly
- Find your height in the left column or on the vertical axis.
- Find your weight on the horizontal axis (or your category row).
- Read your BMI where the two intersect.
- Match it against the categories — 18.5–24.9 is healthy, 25–29.9 is overweight, 30+ is obese.
- Track over time — the chart is more useful as a trend than a single reading.
Adjusted BMI for Asian Populations
The WHO recognizes that people of South Asian, Chinese, and other Asian descent often develop weight-related health issues at lower BMIs. For these groups, the WHO recommends adjusted thresholds:
| Category | Standard BMI | Asian-Adjusted BMI |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy | 18.5 – 24.9 | 18.5 – 22.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0 – 29.9 | 23.0 – 27.4 |
| Obese | 30.0 and above | 27.5 and above |
Important: If you're of Asian descent, a BMI of 24 that's "healthy" on the standard chart may already indicate elevated risk. Discuss adjusted thresholds with a healthcare provider.
BMI Chart Limitations
A BMI chart is a screening tool — not a diagnosis. Use it as a starting point, but understand its limits:
- Doesn't distinguish muscle from fat. Athletes and muscular people may show "overweight" or "obese" despite low body fat.
- Doesn't measure fat location. Visceral fat (around organs) is more dangerous than subcutaneous fat — and BMI can't tell them apart.
- Doesn't reflect age-related changes. Muscle mass declines with age, so an older adult at "healthy" BMI may still have unhealthy body composition.
- Not for children. Kids and teens use age- and sex-specific percentile charts.
- Not for pregnant women. Different guidelines apply during pregnancy.
Better together: Pair BMI with waist circumference (men <40 in / 102 cm; women <35 in / 88 cm) and body fat percentage for a fuller picture of your health.
BMI Chart vs Other Body Measurements
| Measure | What It Tells You | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| BMI | Weight relative to height | Population screening, quick check |
| Waist circumference | Abdominal fat | Cardiovascular risk assessment |
| Waist-to-hip ratio | Fat distribution | Metabolic risk |
| Body fat % | Actual fat mass | Fitness tracking, precise goals |
| BMI Prime | Distance from healthy top | Quick interpretation |
Skip the Table — Get Your Exact BMI
Charts give a range, but the exact number matters. Our free BMI calculator uses your height and weight to give you:
- Your exact BMI (to one decimal)
- Your category (Under, Normal, Over, Obese I–III)
- Your healthy weight range
- BMI Prime and Ponderal Index
- Both metric and imperial units
⚖️ Free BMI Calculator
Skip the chart. Get your exact BMI, category, and healthy range instantly.
Open BMI Calculator →Related: Calculate Your Daily Calories
Once you know your BMI and healthy weight range, the next step is figuring out how many calories you should eat. Our calorie calculator gives you a specific daily target based on your goal.
🔥 Free Calorie Calculator
Get your daily calorie target, BMR, TDEE, and macros.
Open Calorie Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BMI chart for adults?
The adult BMI chart classifies weight status by BMI ranges: Underweight (below 18.5), Normal (18.5–24.9), Overweight (25.0–29.9), Obese Class I (30.0–34.9), Class II (35.0–39.9), Class III (40+).
What is a healthy BMI for adults?
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for most adults. This is the range where weight-related health risks are lowest in population studies.
How do I read a BMI chart?
Find your height on one axis and your weight on the other. The number where they meet is your BMI. Then match that BMI against the category ranges to find your weight status.
Is the BMI chart the same for men and women?
Yes — the WHO BMI chart uses the same thresholds for men and women. The formula is identical. However, healthy weight ranges can vary slightly because men and women tend to carry fat differently.
Does the BMI chart apply to children?
No. Children and teens (ages 2–19) use age- and sex-specific BMI percentile charts, not the adult categories. A pediatrician should interpret children's BMI.
What is BMI Prime?
BMI Prime is your BMI divided by 25 (the upper limit of the healthy range). BMI Prime below 1.0 is in the healthy range; above 1.0 is over it. It gives a quick sense of how far you are from the healthy band.
Can I use a BMI chart for athletic people?
Not reliably. Athletes and very muscular people often show "overweight" or "obese" on the chart despite low body fat. For athletes, body fat percentage and waist measurements are more useful.
What if my BMI is exactly 25.0?
BMI 25.0 is the boundary between "normal weight" and "overweight." Most charts classify 25.0 as the start of overweight. Values like 24.9 are still considered healthy.