How is Body Mass Index (BMI) primarily calculated?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is primarily calculated by taking a person's weight in kilograms and dividing it by their height in meters squared. This formula provides a simple numeric measure that is often used to assess whether an individual has a healthy body weight relative to their height.

The calculation method—weight divided by height squared—is essential because it allows for a standardized way to evaluate body weight categories across different individuals, helping identify those who may be underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. This classification is important for public health assessments and individual health management.

Various units can also be used for the calculation, such as pounds for weight and inches for height, but when using those units, adjustments must be made to align with the metric formula. The accuracy of this method in categorizing body weight is widely accepted, although it may not account for factors like muscle mass or fat distribution.