BMI Calculator for Women
Work out your Body Mass Index below, then see how to read it as a woman — including why women naturally carry more body fat and when BMI should not be used.
Calculate your BMI
Your BMI
22.9
Category
Healthy weight
BMI categories for women
BMI thresholds are the same for women and men. They estimate whether your weight is healthy for your height, but they do not measure body composition directly.
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obese |
Women and body fat
Healthy women naturally carry a higher body-fat percentage than men — typically 21–33% versus 8–20% — because of reproductive and hormonal needs. BMI does not capture this, so two people with the same BMI can have very different body compositions.
This is one reason BMI is best used as a screening tool rather than a precise measure of health.
When not to use BMI
- During pregnancy: weight gain is expected and healthy, so standard BMI categories do not apply — use your pre-pregnancy BMI as a reference instead.
- While breastfeeding, when body weight is still adjusting.
- For athletes with high muscle mass, where BMI can overstate body fat.
Waist size for women
Carrying weight around the middle raises health risk. For women, a waist above 80 cm (about 31.5 inches) indicates increased risk and above 88 cm (about 34.5 inches) indicates high risk, independent of BMI.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy BMI for a woman?
A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy for adult women, the same range used for men.
Can I use a BMI calculator during pregnancy?
No. BMI categories are not valid during pregnancy. Refer to your pre-pregnancy BMI and follow your doctor's guidance on healthy weight gain.