Short answer: BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. A 70 kg adult at 1.72 m has a BMI of about 23.7. BMI is a quick screening tool, not a diagnosis, and Asian cut-offs can differ from the standard WHO categories.
The metric formula
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m) squared. For 70 kg and 1.72 m: 1.72 x 1.72 = 2.9584; 70 / 2.9584 = 23.66. The calculator rounds this to 23.7.
If you only know height in feet and inches, convert to centimetres first. For example, 5 feet 8 inches is about 172 cm, or 1.72 m.
BMI categories
The standard WHO categories are underweight below 18.5, normal 18.5 to 24.9, overweight 25 to 29.9, and obese 30 and above. For many Asian populations, including Pakistan, experts often use lower thresholds for overweight and obesity.
- Underweight: below 18.5.
- Normal (Asian cut-off): 18.5 to 22.9.
- Overweight (Asian cut-off): 23 to 24.9.
- Obese (Asian cut-off): 25 and above.
Different guidelines may label these ranges slightly differently. Use the range that your doctor or health programme uses.
What BMI does not tell you
- It does not measure body fat or muscle separately.
- It can misclassify athletes with high muscle mass.
- It is not designed for pregnancy, young children or some older adults.
- It does not capture where fat is stored or your blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol.
How to use it sensibly
Treat BMI as one data point. Combine it with waist circumference, energy levels, diet, activity and a clinician's assessment. If your BMI is outside the healthy range, do not crash diet; aim for sustainable changes and get advice if you have a medical condition.
Calculate your BMI
The free BMI calculator accepts metric or imperial inputs and shows your category and a healthy weight range. The gym calculator adds BMR, TDEE, macros and one-rep-max tools if you want a fuller fitness picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy BMI for a Pakistani adult?
Many Asian guidelines use 18.5 to 22.9 as the normal range, with 23 to 24.9 as overweight and 25 and above as obese. Your doctor may use a different range.
Is BMI accurate for athletes?
No. BMI cannot separate muscle from fat, so muscular athletes can be classified as overweight even with low body fat.
How do I calculate BMI in kg and cm?
Convert height to metres, square it, then divide weight in kilograms by that number. For 70 kg and 172 cm, BMI is about 23.7.
Does BMI diagnose health problems?
No. It is a screening tool. Diagnosis needs a clinical assessment including waist measurement, blood tests and medical history.
Check your BMI in seconds
Metric and imperial inputs, category and healthy weight range.
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Published 2026-10-30 by Wafa Smart Tech, Lahore. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm current rules with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.