BMI Chart for Women by Age in kg & cm: Complete Guide

Knowing your BMI is one of the fastest ways to check whether your weight falls within a healthy range for your height. While it is not the only number that matters, it is a widely recognised screening tool used by doctors worldwide.

This guide gives you complete BMI charts for women in kg and cm, explains how BMI shifts with age, and shows you when to look beyond BMI for a fuller picture of your health. If you prefer a quick number, use our free BMI calculator to get your result in seconds.

How to Calculate BMI in kg and cm

The Body Mass Index formula is straightforward:

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ [height (cm) ÷ 100]²

In other words, divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres. Here are two worked examples:

Example 1: 65 kg, 165 cm

• Convert height to metres: 165 ÷ 100 = 1.65 m
• Square the height: 1.65 × 1.65 = 2.7225
• Divide weight by squared height: 65 ÷ 2.7225 = 23.9
• Result: BMI 23.9 — healthy range

Example 2: 80 kg, 160 cm

• Convert height to metres: 160 ÷ 100 = 1.60 m
• Square the height: 1.60 × 1.60 = 2.56
• Divide weight by squared height: 80 ÷ 2.56 = 31.3
• Result: BMI 31.3 — obese class I

Do not feel like doing the maths? Use our BMI Calculator to get your result instantly.

BMI Categories for Women

The World Health Organisation defines the following BMI categories. These apply to all adults, but the health implications can differ for women due to hormonal and body composition factors.

BMI Range	Category	What It Means
Below 18.5	Underweight	May indicate nutritional deficiency, hormonal issues, or high metabolism. Increased risk of osteoporosis and fertility problems.
18.5 – 24.9	Healthy weight	Associated with lowest health risks. Optimal range for most women of reproductive age.
25.0 – 29.9	Overweight	Moderately elevated risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. May be normal for muscular or athletic women.
30.0 – 34.9	Obese Class I	Significantly increased risk of metabolic syndrome, joint problems, and cardiovascular disease.
35.0 – 39.9	Obese Class II	High risk of obesity-related conditions. Medical guidance strongly recommended.
40.0+	Obese Class III	Very high health risk. Professional medical and nutritional support essential.

BMI Chart for Women by Height (kg)

This is the main reference table. Find your height in the left column, then check which weight range you fall into. All weights are calculated using the BMI formula: weight = BMI × (height in metres)².

Height	Underweight (<18.5)	Healthy (18.5–24.9)	Overweight (25–29.9)	Obese (30+)
150 cm	Below 41.6 kg	41.6 – 56.0 kg	56.3 – 67.3 kg	Above 67.5 kg
152 cm	Below 42.7 kg	42.7 – 57.6 kg	57.8 – 69.1 kg	Above 69.3 kg
155 cm	Below 44.4 kg	44.4 – 59.8 kg	60.1 – 71.9 kg	Above 72.1 kg
157 cm	Below 45.6 kg	45.6 – 61.4 kg	61.6 – 73.7 kg	Above 73.9 kg
160 cm	Below 47.4 kg	47.4 – 63.7 kg	64.0 – 76.5 kg	Above 76.8 kg
163 cm	Below 49.1 kg	49.1 – 66.2 kg	66.5 – 79.5 kg	Above 79.7 kg
165 cm	Below 50.4 kg	50.4 – 67.8 kg	68.1 – 81.4 kg	Above 81.7 kg
168 cm	Below 52.2 kg	52.2 – 70.3 kg	70.6 – 84.4 kg	Above 84.7 kg
170 cm	Below 53.5 kg	53.5 – 72.0 kg	72.3 – 86.4 kg	Above 86.7 kg
173 cm	Below 55.4 kg	55.4 – 74.5 kg	74.8 – 89.5 kg	Above 89.8 kg
175 cm	Below 56.7 kg	56.7 – 76.3 kg	76.6 – 91.6 kg	Above 91.9 kg
178 cm	Below 58.6 kg	58.6 – 78.9 kg	79.2 – 94.8 kg	Above 95.0 kg
180 cm	Below 59.9 kg	59.9 – 80.7 kg	81.0 – 96.9 kg	Above 97.2 kg
183 cm	Below 61.9 kg	61.9 – 83.4 kg	83.7 – 100.1 kg	Above 100.4 kg

How to use this chart: Find your height, then locate the column that contains your current weight. If you are near a boundary, track your weight over a few weeks rather than relying on a single reading. For a personalised result, try our BMI Calculator.

BMI Chart in Feet and Pounds

Prefer imperial units? Here is the same data converted to feet, inches, and pounds for quick reference.

Height	Underweight (<18.5)	Healthy (18.5–24.9)	Overweight (25–29.9)	Obese (30+)
4'11" (150 cm)	Below 92 lbs	92 – 123 lbs	124 – 148 lbs	Above 149 lbs
5'0" (152 cm)	Below 94 lbs	94 – 127 lbs	127 – 152 lbs	Above 153 lbs
5'1" (155 cm)	Below 98 lbs	98 – 132 lbs	132 – 158 lbs	Above 159 lbs
5'2" (157 cm)	Below 101 lbs	101 – 135 lbs	136 – 163 lbs	Above 163 lbs
5'3" (160 cm)	Below 104 lbs	104 – 140 lbs	141 – 169 lbs	Above 169 lbs
5'4" (163 cm)	Below 108 lbs	108 – 146 lbs	147 – 175 lbs	Above 176 lbs
5'5" (165 cm)	Below 111 lbs	111 – 150 lbs	150 – 180 lbs	Above 180 lbs
5'6" (168 cm)	Below 115 lbs	115 – 155 lbs	156 – 186 lbs	Above 187 lbs
5'7" (170 cm)	Below 118 lbs	118 – 159 lbs	159 – 191 lbs	Above 191 lbs
5'8" (173 cm)	Below 122 lbs	122 – 164 lbs	165 – 197 lbs	Above 198 lbs
5'9" (175 cm)	Below 125 lbs	125 – 168 lbs	169 – 202 lbs	Above 203 lbs
5'10" (178 cm)	Below 129 lbs	129 – 174 lbs	175 – 209 lbs	Above 209 lbs
5'11" (180 cm)	Below 132 lbs	132 – 178 lbs	179 – 214 lbs	Above 214 lbs
6'0" (183 cm)	Below 136 lbs	136 – 184 lbs	184 – 221 lbs	Above 221 lbs

How BMI Changes with Age

While the BMI formula itself stays the same regardless of age, what constitutes a "healthy" BMI can shift as your body composition changes over the decades. Here is what to expect.

In Your 20s

Metabolism is typically at its highest, and muscle mass is easiest to build and maintain. Standard BMI ranges (18.5–24.9) apply well. This is a good time to establish baseline measurements and healthy habits. Most medical guidelines are calibrated for this age group.

In Your 30s

Metabolism slows by roughly 1–2% per decade. Pregnancy and postpartum recovery can temporarily shift BMI. If you are not strength training, you may notice gradual muscle loss being replaced by fat, even if the scale does not change much. A BMI that creeps from 22 to 24 is not automatically a concern.

In Your 40s

Perimenopause brings hormonal shifts that often redistribute fat to the midsection. Your BMI might stay the same while your waist circumference increases, which is why BMI alone becomes less informative at this stage. Prioritise strength training to preserve lean mass and consider tracking waist circumference alongside BMI.

In Your 50s and Beyond

After menopause, bone density and muscle mass decline more rapidly. Research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggests that for women over 65, a BMI of 23–27 may actually be protective and associated with lower mortality than the standard 18.5–24.9 range. Unintentional weight loss in this age group is a red flag that warrants medical attention.

Age-Adjusted BMI Reference Table

Age Group	Optimal BMI Range	Key Focus
20–29	18.5 – 24.9	Standard range applies; build healthy habits
30–39	18.5 – 24.9	Watch for gradual muscle loss; stay active
40–49	19.0 – 25.5	Track waist circumference; prioritise strength training
50–59	20.0 – 26.0	Maintain muscle and bone density; monitor body composition
60–69	22.0 – 27.0	Slightly higher BMI may be protective; avoid rapid weight loss
70+	23.0 – 28.0	Weight stability matters most; prevent unintentional loss

BMI Limitations for Women

BMI is a useful screening tool, but it has well-documented limitations that are especially relevant for women.

Muscle Mass

BMI cannot distinguish between muscle and fat. Women who strength train regularly or have an athletic build may have a BMI of 26–28 while being perfectly healthy with low body fat. If your BMI is "overweight" but you exercise regularly and your waist circumference is normal, you are likely fine.

Pregnancy

BMI is not applicable during pregnancy. Weight gain during pregnancy is expected and healthy. Your pre-pregnancy BMI is used by healthcare providers to determine recommended weight gain during pregnancy, not your current BMI.

Ethnicity Differences

BMI thresholds were developed primarily from European-descent populations. Research shows that health risks may begin at lower BMI values for South Asian and East Asian women (BMI 23 rather than 25), and at higher values for some Black and Polynesian populations. The WHO has suggested lower cut-offs for Asian populations.

Fat Distribution

Two women with identical BMI can have very different health risk profiles depending on where they carry fat. Visceral fat (around organs in the abdomen) is far more dangerous than subcutaneous fat (under the skin on hips and thighs). BMI tells you nothing about fat distribution.

For a more complete picture of your body composition, try our Body Fat Calculator.

Beyond BMI: Other Metrics That Matter

BMI is a starting point, not the whole story. Here are additional measurements that give a fuller picture of your health.

Waist Circumference

Measure around your waist at the level of your belly button. For women, a waist circumference above 80 cm (31.5 inches) indicates increased health risk, and above 88 cm (35 inches) indicates substantially increased risk, regardless of BMI.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio

Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. For women, a ratio above 0.85 is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic conditions. This metric is particularly useful because it accounts for body shape.

Body Fat Percentage

The most direct measure of body composition. Healthy body fat ranges for women are 21–31%, with athletes typically at 14–20%. Unlike BMI, body fat percentage distinguishes between lean mass and fat mass. Estimate yours with our Body Fat Calculator.

You may also find these resources helpful: Ideal Weight for Women by Age and Height and our Ideal Weight Calculator for personalised weight ranges based on multiple scientific formulas.

How to Improve Your BMI Healthily

Whether your BMI is above or below the healthy range, the goal should always be gradual, sustainable change rather than crash approaches.

If Your BMI Is Too High

• Create a modest calorie deficit: 300–500 calories below your daily calorie needs is enough for steady fat loss without muscle wasting
• Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports metabolism and helps control appetite. Use our Water Intake Calculator to find your daily target
• Target belly fat specifically: Learn evidence-based strategies in our guide on how to lose lower belly fat
• Start a structured exercise plan: Our spring fitness plan for beginners is a great starting point if you are new to exercise
• Aim for 0.5–1 kg loss per week: Faster rates increase muscle loss and are harder to maintain

If Your BMI Is Too Low

• Eat in a modest surplus: 200–300 calories above your maintenance needs
• Focus on nutrient-dense foods: Nuts, avocados, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats rather than empty calories
• Add strength training: To ensure gained weight is lean muscle rather than just fat
• Rule out medical causes: Unexplained low BMI may indicate thyroid issues, coeliac disease, or other conditions
• Be patient: Healthy weight gain takes time, around 0.25–0.5 kg per week

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure. Individual health depends on many factors beyond BMI. Consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.

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