BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) with athlete-specific interpretations. Get personalized health recommendations based on your BMI and activity level.

Optional - for age-adjusted interpretation

Optional - for body fat estimation

Understanding BMI for Athletes

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using height and weight to categorize weight status. While useful for general population screening, BMI has important limitations for athletes and highly active individuals.

BMI Categories

  • Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
  • Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
  • Overweight: BMI 25.0-29.9
  • Obese: BMI 30.0 and above

BMI Limitations for Athletes

BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, which can lead to misclassification of athletic individuals:

  • Muscular Athletes: May have high BMI due to muscle mass, not excess fat
  • Endurance Athletes: Often have very low BMI, which may appear "underweight"
  • Body Composition: BMI doesn't account for body fat percentage

Sport-Specific Considerations

  • Distance Runners: Often have BMI 18-22, optimized for endurance
  • Cyclists: Similar to runners, with emphasis on power-to-weight ratio
  • Strength Athletes: May have BMI >25 due to muscle mass
  • Team Sport Athletes: BMI varies by position and sport demands

Alternative Assessments

For athletes, consider these additional measurements:

  • Body Fat Percentage: More accurate for body composition
  • Waist Circumference: Indicator of abdominal fat
  • Performance Metrics: Power-to-weight ratios
  • Health Markers: Blood pressure, cholesterol, fitness tests