Adult BMI calculator and calorie estimate

Use the BMI calculator from Cogitans: enter your weight and height. The result is an adult screening measure, not a diagnosis.

BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared: BMI = weight / (height * height). The form accepts height in centimetres and converts it to metres for this calculation.

Adult thresholds use the unrounded value: below 18.5, 18.5 to below 25, 25 to below 30, then 30 or above.

When BMI is below 18.5, the calculator uses a target of 18.5; at 25 or above, it uses 24.9. Target weight is this BMI multiplied by height in metres squared. The difference is target weight minus entered weight. These values are displayed to one decimal place. From 18.5 inclusive to 25 exclusive, no weight change is suggested.

Calories use Mifflin-St Jeor: 10 * weight + 6.25 * height in cm - 5 * age, then +5 for male or -161 for female, multiplied by the selected activity factor.

Weight: 70 kg. Height: 175 cm, or 1.75 m. 70 / (1.75 * 1.75) = 22.86 kg/m², or 22.9 to one decimal place.

Weight: 90 kg. Height: 175 cm. BMI: 29.4. The target BMI of 24.9 corresponds to an indicative target weight of 76.3 kg, which is 13.7 kg below the entered weight. This calculation does not define a personal medical goal.

How can I tell if I am overweight?

For adults, body mass index (BMI) provides an initial screening measure based on weight and height. Enter these measurements in the Cogitans BMI calculator: a result from 25 to below 30 falls in the overweight category. This is not a diagnosis, and these ranges do not apply to children or pregnancy. A health professional can assess your situation using other information, including waist size.

What should I weigh for my height?

Enter your height and weight in the Cogitans BMI calculator. If your BMI is outside the adult reference range, it shows the target BMI, the corresponding weight and the difference from your current weight. This reference depends on height; age, muscle mass and medical context matter when setting a personal goal with a health professional.

What are the limitations of BMI?

Age, body composition and fat distribution also matter. A professional can consider medical context and additional measurements.

How are my calorie needs calculated?

The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation to estimate resting expenditure, then applies your selected activity factor from 1.2 to 1.9. Self-reported activity and these factors add uncertainty; your actual needs may differ.

BMI does not distinguish muscle from fat and is not a diagnosis. These reference ranges do not apply to children or pregnancy. Calories are a maintenance estimate, not a prescription or automatic weight target. Personal interpretation requires a qualified health professional.

Sources: Assurance Maladie: IMC adulte; Mifflin-St Jeor, 1990.