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How to Calculate BMI Body Fat

Body mass index, or BMI, is a means of determining the percentage of fat in a person's body. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a healthy BMI for an adult is 18.5 to 24.9 percent. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight; 25 to 29.9 percent is overweight; and above 30 percent is obese. Any person with a BMI that is not normal should take steps to achieve a healthier body weight. This includes pursuing a healthier lifestyle consisting of a balanced diet and daily exercise and perhaps seeking medical help.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Scale
  • Calculator
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Instructions

  1. Using Inches and Pounds

    • 1

      Use the measuring tape to find your exact height in inches. Enlist the help of another person to make this process easier and better ensure an accurate measurement. Alternatively, stand with your back against a wall and the pencil in hand. Rest the pencil on the top of your head against your scalp. Use the pencil to place a mark on the wall where the top of your head reaches. Take the measuring tape and measure, in inches, the distance from the floor to the point you have marked. Record the measurement.

    • 2

      Use the scale to determine your weight in pounds. Record your exact weight.

    • 3

      Multiply your weight by 703. Record the result. Take your height in inches and square it, or multiply it by itself. Record this number. Divide the first result (your weight multiplied by 703) by the second result (your height squared). The resulting number is your BMI.

    Using Meters and Kilograms

    • 4

      Use the measuring tape to measure your exact height in meters. Enlist the help of another person to better ensure an accurate measurement. Alternatively, stand with your back against a wall and the pencil in hand. Rest the pencil on the top of your head against your scalp. Use the pencil to place a mark on the wall where the top of your head reaches. Take the measuring tape and measure, in meters, the distance from the floor to the point you have marked. Record the measurement.

    • 5

      Use the scale to determine your weight in kilograms. Record your exact weight.

    • 6

      Take your height in meters and square it, or multiply it by itself. Record this number. Divide your weight by your height squared. The resulting number is your BMI.

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