Updated February 2026 • 18 min read

BMI Chart Explained: How to Read and Interpret BMI Charts

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.

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:

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:

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 World Health Organization, 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:

*Approximate U.S. adult population distribution based on NHANES data

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.

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.

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.

Key Differences Between Male and Female BMI

Because women naturally carry more body fat than men at the same BMI, some researchers argue that women with BMIs in the upper "normal" range (24-25) may face similar metabolic risks to men with higher BMIs. Conversely, a man classified as "overweight" at BMI 26 may have a healthier body composition than the label suggests if he is muscular.

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 BMI categories are distributed differently between adult men and women in the U.S.:

Based on CDC NHANES data for U.S. adults 20+. Men are more likely to be overweight, while obesity rates are similar between sexes.

Standard vs Age-Adjusted BMI Charts

Standard BMI charts apply the same categories to all adults regardless of age. However, research suggests that optimal BMI may vary across the lifespan, leading some organizations to develop age-adjusted interpretations.

Why Age Matters for BMI Interpretation

• Body composition changes: Muscle mass naturally decreases with age while fat mass tends to increase, even at stable weight
• Height shrinkage: People lose approximately 1-3 inches of height after age 40, which artificially raises BMI
• Different risk patterns: Being slightly overweight appears protective in older adults, while being at the lower end of normal carries more risk
• Survival advantage: Studies show the lowest mortality in adults 65+ occurs at BMI 25-27, which is technically "overweight"

Age-Adjusted BMI Reference Ranges

Note: Age-adjusted ranges are not officially adopted by WHO/CDC but reflect emerging research on optimal BMI by age.

For age-specific guidance, see our BMI Calculator by Age guide and use our Age-Adjusted BMI Calculator.

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:

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.

• Potential concerns: Nutritional deficiencies, weakened immune system, bone loss, fertility issues
• Possible causes: Eating disorders, hyperthyroidism, digestive conditions, inadequate intake, high metabolic rate
• Action: If unintentional, consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions

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.

• Health outlook: Lowest risk of weight-related diseases
• Optimal range: Many studies suggest BMI 22-23 is associated with the lowest mortality
• Action: Maintain through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity

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

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

• Health implications: Moderately elevated risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure
• Important context: Many people in this range, especially those with BMI 25-27, may be healthy if they are muscular or have good metabolic markers
• Action: Evaluate overall health (blood pressure, blood sugar, waist circumference) rather than focusing solely on BMI

Obese Zone (Red - BMI 30+)

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

• Health implications: Significantly elevated risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, sleep apnea, joint problems
• Subclasses: Class I (30-34.9), Class II (35-39.9), Class III (40+) with progressively higher risk
• Action: Consult healthcare provider; even modest weight loss (5-10%) provides significant health benefits

BMI Risk Spectrum

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

Limitations of BMI Charts

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

Who May Be Misclassified by BMI Charts

BMI charts are least accurate for these groups:

• Athletes and muscular individuals: Muscle weighs more than fat, so a bodybuilder may have an "obese" BMI despite having very low body fat
• Older adults: Loss of muscle mass with age means an older person at "normal" BMI may have unhealthy body composition
• People with high visceral fat: Someone with a normal BMI but excess belly fat ("skinny fat") faces elevated health risks that the chart misses
• Asian populations: Health risks begin at lower BMI values; the Cleveland Clinic notes Asian-specific cutoffs may be more appropriate
• People of African descent: May have more muscle mass and bone density at the same BMI, making standard cutoffs potentially too strict

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

When to Use a Chart vs Calculator

Both BMI charts and BMI calculators produce the same result using the same formula. The choice between them depends on your needs:

Use a BMI Chart When:

• You want to quickly see your category without precise math
• You want to see how much weight change would move you between categories
• You are in a clinical setting without digital tools
• You want to show someone the full BMI spectrum for context
• You are educating others about weight categories

Use a BMI Calculator When:

• You want a precise BMI value (e.g., 24.7 vs "about 25")
• Your height or weight is between chart values
• You want additional metrics (ideal weight range, calories, etc.)
• You need to track BMI changes over time with precision
• You want unit conversion (e.g., enter feet/inches, see metric equivalents)

Calculate My BMI Now →

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