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How to Calculate BMI in Pakistan - Formula, Chart and Healthy Range
Last updated: 15 October 2026 | Reviewed by Habiba, founder of PakCalculators.com
What is BMI?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a simple number calculated from your weight and height.
Doctors and fitness experts use it to check if your weight is healthy for your height. It does not measure body fat directly, but it gives a quick idea.
Formula of BMI
BMI = Weight in Kilograms / (Height in Meters x Height in Meters)
If your height is in cm, first convert it to meters. Example: 165cm = 1.65m.
Pakistani Example
Example: A person in Lahore with weight 70kg and height 170cm (1.70m).
Calculation: 70 / (1.70 x 1.70) = 70 / 2.89 = 24.22
BMI Chart for Adults
My calculator shows the standard international categories for your reference: Below 18.5 is underweight, 18.5 to 24.9 is normal, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30 and above is generally considered obese. Please note, for South Asian adults, health risk may start to increase from 23 onward, so you may want to discuss your result with a healthcare professional.
How to Use My BMI Calculator
Enter your weight in KG and height in cm. Click Calculate BMI. It will show your BMI and category. This tool is for information only. For medical advice, please consult a doctor. For more info, see WHO website.
Common BMI Mistakes
The most frequent mistake is entering height in centimetres where the formula needs metres. If you use 170 instead of 1.70, the answer will look absurdly small. Convert first, or use a calculator that takes centimetres directly.
Another mistake is mixing units. The formula works with kilograms and metres. If your weight is in pounds, divide it by 2.2046 to get kilograms before using the formula.
A third mistake is treating BMI as a medical verdict. BMI does not separate muscle from fat, so a muscular person can show a high BMI while being healthy. It is also not designed for children, who are assessed with age-based growth charts, or for pregnant women.
Another Worked Example
Example: A person weighs 55kg and is 160cm tall (1.60m).
Calculation: 55 / (1.60 x 1.60) = 55 / 2.56 = 21.48. This falls in the normal range of 18.5 to 24.9.
Example: A person weighs 90kg and is 175cm tall (1.75m).
Calculation: 90 / (1.75 x 1.75) = 90 / 3.0625 = 29.39. This falls in the overweight range of 25 to 29.9, close to the obese limit, so a doctor's advice on diet and activity would be useful.
Converting Feet and Inches
Many people know their height in feet and inches. Multiply the total inches by 2.54 to get centimetres. For example, 5 feet 7 inches is 67 inches, and 67 x 2.54 = 170.18cm.
FAQ
1. Is BMI the same for men and women?
The formula is the same for adults of both sexes. Body fat levels differ between men and women, so a doctor may read the same number differently.
2. Does BMI show body fat?
No. It is only a weight-for-height number. Waist size and a doctor's check give a better picture of health.
3. How often should I check my BMI?
Checking every few months is enough for most people, because healthy weight changes slowly. Weigh yourself at the same time of day for a fair comparison.
Related Tools and Guides
This guide is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult your doctor for personal health decisions. Please read my Disclaimer.