BMI Calculator for Men
Find your body mass index in seconds, see your healthy weight range, and learn what the result means for Australian men. Free, private, no sign-up.
Enter your height and weight to see your BMI, healthy weight range and what it means.
Your BMI
0.0
Healthy weight- Healthy weight for your height
- To reach the healthy range
For adults aged 18+. BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It can overestimate body fat in muscular men, so pair it with your waist measurement.
BMI categories for adult men
Australia’s Department of Health uses the World Health Organization categories for adults. They are the same for men and women.
| Category | BMI |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Under 18.5 |
| Healthy weight | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese | 30 or more |
How is BMI calculated?
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². A man who is 178 cm and 85 kg has a BMI of 85 ÷ (1.78 × 1.78) = 26.8, which is in the overweight range.
Why BMI is only part of the picture for men
Men usually carry more muscle and tend to store fat around the abdomen, the type most linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Two men with the same BMI can have very different health risks. That is why Australian guidelines also recommend measuring your waist: see the waist size guide.
Around two in three Australian adults are above a healthy weight, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, so you are far from alone. Small, sustainable changes add up.
More tools and guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy BMI for a man in Australia?
For adult men, a BMI from 18.5 to 24.9 is considered the healthy weight range by the Australian Department of Health and the World Health Organization. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is classed as overweight and 30 or more as obese.
Is BMI different for men and women?
The BMI formula and adult cut-offs are the same for men and women. In practice, men tend to carry more muscle and store fat around the belly, which is why waist measurement is a useful second check alongside BMI.
How do I calculate BMI in kilograms and centimetres?
Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. For example, 85 kg at 178 cm is 85 ÷ (1.78 × 1.78) = 26.8.
Is BMI accurate for muscular men?
Not always. BMI cannot tell muscle from fat, so athletes and men who lift weights can land in the overweight range with low body fat. A waist measurement, body fat estimate or advice from your GP gives a fuller picture.
What waist measurement is a health risk for Australian men?
Australian guidance says a waist of 94 cm or more increases risk of chronic disease, and 102 cm or more is a high risk. Measure halfway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone.
Does BMI change with age?
The standard adult cut-offs apply from 18 years. Men over 65 may be advised to aim for a slightly higher BMI because some extra weight can protect against frailty, so speak to your GP about what suits you.
Are the cut-offs different for men of Asian or Pacific Islander background?
Some research suggests health risks begin at a lower BMI for people of Asian descent, and at a higher BMI for many Pacific Islander and Māori people. These are not used as official Australian cut-offs, so use BMI as a guide and talk to your doctor.
Is this calculator a medical diagnosis?
No. It is a general screening tool for adults aged 18 and over. It does not diagnose any condition. See your GP for advice on your health and weight.
Is my data stored or sent anywhere?
No. The calculation runs in your browser. Your height and weight are never sent to our servers.