BMI Calculator BMI Calculator for Women
Check your body mass index in seconds, see the healthy weight range for your height and get practical next steps. Free, private and no sign-up.
Your result
What you can do
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Speak to your GP for personal advice. Not suitable during pregnancy.
BMI categories for women
Australia uses the World Health Organization adult categories. They apply to women aged 18 and over who are not pregnant.
| Category | BMI |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 |
| Healthy weight | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0 – 29.9 |
| Obesity | 30.0 and above |
See the full BMI chart for women or find your healthy weight by height.
How BMI is calculated
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². A woman who is 165 cm and 65 kg has a BMI of 65 ÷ 2.72 = 23.9, which is in the healthy range.
Beyond BMI: what else to check
- Waist-to-height ratio: keep your waist under half your height.
- Waist circumference: the Australian Department of Health flags increased risk for women at 80 cm or more, and high risk at 88 cm or more.
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar: ask your GP about a Medicare-rebated health check.
- Energy, sleep, strength and mood matter as much as the number on the scales.
Explore more
BMI chart
Quick-reference chart by height and weight in kg and stone.
Healthy weight
Your healthy range for every height from 145 to 185 cm.
Pregnancy & postpartum
How BMI is used before, during and after pregnancy.
Waist-to-height ratio
A second check: keep your waist under half your height.
BMI over 50
Menopause, muscle and what changes after 50.
Asian-Australian women
WHO lower-risk action points explained.
BMI vs body fat
What each measures and when to use both.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my BMI as a woman?
BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared. For example, a woman who weighs 65 kg and is 165 cm tall has a BMI of 65 ÷ (1.65 × 1.65) = 23.9. The formula is the same for women and men, but how it is interpreted can differ with age, body composition, pregnancy and ethnicity.
What is a healthy BMI for a woman in Australia?
For adult women in Australia, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Below 18.5 is classed as underweight, 25 to 29.9 as overweight and 30 or above as obesity. These are the World Health Organization categories used by the Australian Department of Health and the AIHW.
Is BMI different for men and women?
The BMI formula and the adult cut-offs are the same for both sexes. However, women naturally carry more body fat than men at the same BMI, so a woman and a man with identical BMIs often have different body compositions. That is why waist measurement is a useful second check.
Is BMI accurate for women?
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It does not measure body fat directly, and it can overestimate risk for muscular women and underestimate it for older women who have lost muscle. Combine it with waist circumference, blood pressure, bloods and advice from your GP.
Does BMI change after menopause?
The BMI categories do not change, but many women gain weight around the middle and lose muscle mass during and after menopause. Waist-to-height ratio can help show these changes even when BMI stays stable.
Does this calculator work for teenagers or children?
No. This calculator is for women aged 18 and over. Children and teens are assessed with BMI-for-age growth charts, so speak with your GP or child health nurse.
Is my information stored?
No. The calculation happens entirely in your browser. Your height, weight and age are never sent to a server or saved.