Updated February 2026 • 18 min read

How to Read a BMI Chart

Looking for the full chart? See the BMI chart for adults for the complete height-by-weight table (imperial and metric).

Written by Marko Visic, MPharm · Not medical advice

A BMI chart is a visual reference table that shows Body Mass Index values for different height and weight combinations. Instead of calculating BMI with a formula, you simply find where your height row intersects with your weight column to instantly see your BMI and weight category. This comprehensive guide explains how to read BMI charts, understand the color-coded zones, interpret your results, and know when to use a chart versus a BMI calculator.

Key Takeaways
  • BMI charts show BMI values at the intersection of height (rows) and weight (columns)
  • Color coding: Blue = underweight, Green = normal (18.5-24.9), Yellow/Orange = overweight, Red = obese
  • Standard charts use WHO categories that apply to adults 20+ of any sex
  • Finding your BMI: Locate height on left, move right to weight, read BMI at intersection
  • Charts vs calculators: Both give the same result; charts show context, calculators give precision
  • Limitations: Charts cannot account for muscle mass, age, ethnicity, or fat distribution
  • Use our free BMI calculator for instant, precise results
In This Guide

What Is a BMI Chart?

A BMI chart (also called a BMI table, BMI grid, or height-weight chart) is a pre-calculated reference table that displays BMI values for various height and weight combinations. Rather than using the BMI formula (weight in kg divided by height in meters squared), you can look up your BMI directly by finding the intersection of your height and weight on the chart.

BMI charts were developed to make body mass index accessible to everyone, including those without calculators or mathematical confidence. They remain widely used in clinical settings, schools, fitness facilities, and public health materials because they provide:

  • Instant visual lookup: No math required to find your BMI
  • Context at a glance: See how your BMI relates to surrounding values
  • Category identification: Color coding shows whether you fall in underweight, normal, overweight, or obese ranges
  • Weight range awareness: See how much weight change would move you between categories

The World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and National Institutes of Health (NIH NHLBI) all publish standardized BMI charts using consistent category definitions.

How to Read a BMI Chart

Reading a BMI chart is straightforward once you understand the structure. Here is the step-by-step process:

BMI nomogram: heights down the left axis, weights across the top, cells coloured by WHO category A grid with heights 5 foot 0 to 6 foot 4 down the left side (in 2-inch steps) and weights 100 to 240 pounds across the top (in 20-pound steps). Each cell shows the resulting BMI value and is coloured by the WHO category. A dashed crosshair example marks the 5 foot 8 / 160 pound intersection, which falls in the healthy-weight band. Weight (lb) Height 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 5'0"2023273135394347 5'2"1822262933374044 5'4"1721242731343841 5'6"1619232629323639 5'8"1518212427303336 5'10"1417202326293234 6'0"1416192224273033 6'2"1315182123262831 6'4"1215171922242729 example: 5'8", 160 lb → BMI 24 (healthy)
Look up your height row, follow across to your weight column — cell colour shows the WHO band. Full imperial chart below.

Find Your Height

Locate your height in the leftmost column (vertical axis). Charts may list height in feet and inches, inches only, centimeters, or meters depending on whether they use imperial or metric units.

Find Your Weight

Look along the top row (horizontal axis) to find your weight. This will be in pounds or kilograms. If your exact weight is not listed, use the nearest value or interpolate between two columns.

Find the Intersection

Move horizontally from your height row and vertically from your weight column until they meet. The number at this intersection is your BMI.

Identify Your Category

Note the color of the cell or check the BMI value against the category ranges: under 18.5 is underweight, 18.5-24.9 is normal, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

Example

Understanding Color-Coded BMI Charts

Most modern BMI charts use color coding to help you instantly identify which weight category each BMI value falls into. While color schemes vary slightly between sources, the standard convention is:

Under 18.5
18.5-24.9
25-29.9
30-39.9
40+
Underweight (BMI < 18.5)
Normal Weight (BMI 18.5-24.9)
Overweight (BMI 25-29.9)
Obese Class I-II (BMI 30-39.9)
Obese Class III (BMI 40+)

The color gradient serves multiple purposes beyond quick identification:

  • Risk visualization: Colors progress from cool (blue/green) to warm (yellow/orange/red) as health risk increases
  • Zone boundaries: Color changes mark the exact BMI thresholds between categories
  • Target identification: The green zone clearly shows the healthy BMI range to aim for
  • Progress tracking: You can visualize how weight changes would shift you between color zones

According to the CDC Adult BMI Categories, these category cutoffs are based on the relationship between BMI and health outcomes across populations, though they acknowledge individual variation exists.

BMI Categories on Charts

The standard BMI categories used on charts follow the WHO classification system established in 1995 and refined in 2000. Here is what each category means and its associated health implications:

BMI RangeCategoryChart Color
< 16.0Severe ThinnessBlue
16.0 - 16.9Moderate ThinnessLight Blue
17.0 - 18.4Mild ThinnessPale Blue
18.5 - 24.9Normal WeightGreen
Thinness grades: World Health Organization. Physical status: the use and interpretation of anthropometry. Technical Report Series 854. Geneva: WHO; 1995.

Full BMI chart →

For a detailed explanation of what each category means for your health, see our comprehensive BMI Categories guide.

BMI Chart (Imperial Units: Feet/Inches and Pounds)

The following chart shows BMI values for heights from 4'10" to 6'4" and weights from 100 to 250 pounds. Find your height on the left, move across to your weight, and read your BMI at the intersection.

Height 100 lbs
(45 kg)		 110 lbs
(50 kg)		 120 lbs
(54 kg)		 130 lbs
(59 kg)		 140 lbs
(64 kg)		 150 lbs
(68 kg)		 160 lbs
(73 kg)		 170 lbs
(77 kg)		 180 lbs
(82 kg)		 190 lbs
(86 kg)		 200 lbs
(91 kg)		 220 lbs
(100 kg)		 240 lbs
(109 kg)
4'10" 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 36 38 40 42 46 50
5'0" 20 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 43 47
5'2" 18 20 22 24 26 27 29 31 33 35 37 40 44
5'4" 17 19 21 22 24 26 27 29 31 33 34 38 41

Full BMI chart →

Weight shown in pounds (lbs). BMI values rounded to nearest whole number.

BMI Chart (Metric Units: Centimeters and Kilograms)

For those using metric measurements, this chart shows BMI values for heights from 150 cm to 195 cm and weights from 45 kg to 110 kg.

Height 45 kg
(99 lbs)		 50 kg
(110 lbs)		 55 kg
(121 lbs)		 60 kg
(132 lbs)		 65 kg
(143 lbs)		 70 kg
(154 lbs)		 75 kg
(165 lbs)		 80 kg
(176 lbs)		 85 kg
(187 lbs)		 90 kg
(198 lbs)		 95 kg
(209 lbs)		 100 kg
(220 lbs)		 110 kg
(243 lbs)
150 cm 20 22 24 27 29 31 33 36 38 40 42 44 49
155 cm 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 40 42 46
160 cm 18 20 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 43
165 cm 17 18 20 22 24 26 28 29 31 33 35 37 40

Full BMI chart →

Weight shown in kilograms (kg). BMI values rounded to nearest whole number.

Calculate Your Exact BMI →

BMI Charts for Men vs Women

Standard BMI charts use identical categories for both men and women. The WHO, CDC, and NIH all apply the same thresholds regardless of sex: 18.5 for underweight, 25 for overweight, and 30 for obesity. However, this one-size-fits-all approach has limitations.

Why the Same Categories Apply to Both Sexes

The decision to use unified cutoffs was made for simplicity and based on population-level mortality data. At the BMI thresholds, health risks increase for both sexes, making these reasonable screening cutpoints for general use.

For sex-specific guidance, see our detailed guides on BMI charts for women and BMI charts for men. You can also use our specialized calculators: Women's BMI Calculator and Men's BMI Calculator.

BMI Distribution by Sex

The following chart shows how overweight and obesity differ between adult men and women in the U.S.:

Men - Overweight
35.5%
Women - Overweight
28.1%
Men - Obesity
39.3%
Women - Obesity
41.4%

Age-adjusted, U.S. adults 20+, NHANES August 2021–August 2023 (NCHS Health E-Stat 111). Men are more likely to be overweight, while obesity rates are similar between sexes: NCHS found no significant difference (Data Brief 508). More: obesity rate by age and gender.

Age and BMI charts

Standard BMI charts apply the same WHO categories to all adults regardless of age. WHO does not publish separate age-adjusted cut-offs, and neither does the CDC. Observational research does show that the BMI band associated with the lowest all-cause mortality in older adults is wider than the WHO normal range.

Why age matters for BMI interpretation

Observational reference (older adults only)

Age Group WHO Healthy Range Observational Reference
18–64 years 18.5 – 24.9 WHO cut-offs apply; no separate age-adjusted range published.
65+ years 18.5 – 24.9 (WHO) Lowest all-cause mortality observed across BMI 23–33 in Winter et al., Am J Clin Nutr 2014 (n=197,940). An association from cohort data — not a WHO recommendation.

The 65+ row is one observational meta-analysis, not a clinical target. See BMI Calculator by Age for full context and the BMI by Age calculator for personalised results.

How to Find Your BMI on a Chart Without Calculating

One of the main advantages of BMI charts is finding your BMI without doing any math. Here is a detailed walkthrough:

1

Know Your Measurements

You need your height and weight in the same unit system the chart uses. Measure height without shoes (morning is best, as you are tallest) and weight with minimal clothing at a consistent time of day.

2

Match the Chart Format

Use an imperial chart (feet/inches, pounds) or metric chart (cm, kg) based on how you know your measurements. Do not mix units.

3

Find Nearest Values

If your exact height or weight is not listed, use the closest value or estimate between two rows/columns. For example, if you are 5'7" and the chart shows 5'6" and 5'8", your BMI will be between those two rows.

4

Trace to the Intersection

Use a straightedge (ruler, piece of paper, or your finger) to trace from your height row horizontally and from your weight column vertically until they meet.

5

Read the BMI Value

The number at the intersection is your BMI. If it falls between listed values, estimate accordingly. Most charts round to whole numbers.

6

Check the Category

Note the cell color or check the BMI value against the ranges: under 18.5 (underweight), 18.5-24.9 (normal), 25-29.9 (overweight), 30+ (obese).

Quick Reference

For normal weight at any height: Look for where the green zone begins (around the 18.5 BMI line) and ends (around the 25 BMI line). Any weight in this green band is considered normal for that height.

Interpreting BMI Chart Zones

Each colored zone on a BMI chart represents a different weight category with distinct health implications. Here is how to interpret what your zone means:

Underweight Zone (Blue - BMI Under 18.5)

If your chart intersection falls in the blue zone, your BMI is below 18.5, classified as underweight. This zone indicates you may have insufficient body fat and/or muscle mass.

Normal Weight Zone (Green - BMI 18.5-24.9)

The green zone represents the healthy BMI range associated with the lowest health risks for most adults.

Overweight Zone (Yellow/Orange - BMI 25-29.9)

The yellow or orange zone indicates overweight status, sometimes called "pre-obese" by the WHO.

Obese Zone (Red - BMI 30+)

The red zone indicates obesity, which the other medical organizations classify as a chronic disease.

BMI Risk Spectrum

The following visual shows how health risk generally increases at both extremes of the BMI spectrum:

22
Higher Risk Lower Risk Higher Risk
BMI < 18.5 BMI 18.5-24.9 BMI > 25

Limitations of BMI Charts

While BMI charts are useful screening tools, they have significant limitations that are important to understand. BMI provides a rough estimate but does not tell the whole story about health.

What BMI Charts Do Well

  • Quick, free weight screening
  • Good for population-level tracking
  • Standardized and widely understood
  • Correlates with health outcomes on average
  • Identifies extremes (severe underweight, severe obesity)

What BMI Charts Cannot Do

  • Distinguish fat from muscle
  • Measure body fat percentage
  • Identify fat distribution (visceral vs. subcutaneous)
  • Account for age-related changes
  • Adjust for ethnic differences

Who May Be Misclassified by BMI Charts

BMI charts are least accurate for these groups:

For more on what BMI misses, see our comprehensive BMI Limitations guide.

When to Use a Chart vs Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Find your height on the left column, move right to find your weight, then look up to see your BMI value. The color of the cell indicates your category: blue for underweight, green for normal, yellow/orange for overweight, and red for obese. If your exact measurements are not listed, use the nearest values.

BMI charts use color coding to quickly identify weight categories. Blue typically indicates underweight (BMI under 18.5), green shows normal weight (18.5-24.9), yellow or orange represents overweight (25-29.9), and red indicates obesity (30+). The colors follow a "traffic light" system where green means go (healthy) and red means caution (higher health risk).

Standard BMI charts use the same categories for both sexes (underweight below 18.5, normal 18.5-24.9, overweight 25-29.9, obese 30+). However, women naturally have more body fat than men at equivalent BMI values, which is why some healthcare providers recommend sex-specific interpretations. For tailored guidance, see our guides on BMI for women and BMI for men.

Both give the same result. Charts are convenient for quick visual lookup, seeing weight ranges at a glance, and understanding context. Calculators provide exact decimal values and work for any height/weight combination, not just those listed on a chart. Use a calculator when you need precision and a chart when you want to visualize where you fall in the overall spectrum.

This usually happens due to rounding or unit conversion differences. Charts typically round BMI to whole numbers, while calculators show one or two decimal places. Also ensure you are using the same units (metric vs imperial) and that the chart uses the standard WHO BMI formula: weight in kg divided by height in meters squared. Some older charts may use non-standard calculations.

The green or healthy zone on standard BMI charts covers BMI 18.5 to 24.9. This range is associated with the lowest risk of weight-related health problems for most adults. However, individual factors like muscle mass, age, ethnicity, and fat distribution affect what is truly optimal for each person. See our Healthy BMI Range guide for more detail.

BMI charts are often inaccurate for athletes and muscular individuals because they cannot distinguish muscle from fat. A lean, muscular athlete with low body fat may be classified as "overweight" or even "obese" on a BMI chart due to high muscle mass. For athletes, body fat percentage measurement or waist-to-height ratio provides a more accurate picture of body composition and health status.

Related Guides

BMI Categories

Complete breakdown of all WHO weight classifications from underweight to obese

BMI for Women (calculator)

Female-specific BMI tables and weight ranges by height

BMI for Men (calculator)

Male-specific BMI reference charts and healthy weight ranges

Healthy BMI Range

What is a healthy BMI and how to reach your target weight

BMI Formula Explained

How BMI is calculated and the math behind the formula

Complete BMI Guide

Everything you need to know about calculating and interpreting BMI

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. BMI charts and calculators are screening tools, not diagnostic tests. They cannot account for individual factors like muscle mass, bone density, age, sex, ethnicity, or fat distribution. A "normal" BMI does not guarantee good health, and an elevated BMI does not automatically indicate a health problem. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized assessment, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. Do not make health decisions based solely on BMI classification.