How to Calculate BMI for a Male

Body mass index, or BMI, is a method used to quickly measure adult body fat. Since it only requires two pieces of information, height and weight, health care professionals often start with a BMI calculation to screen for weight problems. The formula for calculating BMI is the same for both females and males.

Instructions

1

Measure your height using the tape measure. For this BMI formula, measure inches rather than feet or meters. You should not be wearing shoes, as the soles could skew the height measurement. Record this measurement on a piece of paper.

2

Weigh yourself. You should ideally not be wearing clothes. If this is unavoidable, try to determine the weight of clothing and subtract this from the weight displayed on the scale. Record this measurement.

3

Multiply your weight measurement by 703 using a calculator. Record this number as the final weight figure.

4

Calculate the height in inches squared by using the calculator. Take your height in inches and multiply it times itself. For example, if you measure 70 inches, multiply 70 by 70 to get the number of inches squared. This will be your final height figure.

5

Divide the final weight figure by the final height figure to get the BMI. If necessary, round decimals to the second place. The BMI can then be discussed with a physician who can further help you interpret the results. In general, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Anything above or below could indicate potential health hazards.

Remember that BMI is just one of many health indicators and is not absolute. Overall health and wellbeing is more important than weight measurement.