BMI relates weight to height — weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (or a 703 factor for pounds and inches). A common screening number, easily built in a sheet.
The example
70 kg, 1.75 m.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Value |
| 2 | Weight 70 kg | — |
| 3 | Height 1.75 m | → 22.9 |
The formula
The formula:
How it works
How it works:
- Metric:
weight_kg / height_m^2— kilograms over meters squared. - Imperial:
weight_lb / height_in^2 * 703— the 703 factor converts units. - BMI is a screening ratio, not a body-composition measure — it ignores muscle vs fat.
- Map BMI to a category with a lookup (under 18.5, 18.5–24.9, 25–29.9, 30+).
Educational use only. These are general Excel formulas for learning spreadsheet techniques — not medical advice or a substitute for clinical judgment, professional guidelines, or verified dosing references. Always confirm calculations against authoritative sources and institutional protocols.
Try it: interactive demo
Weight (kg) and height (m).
Variations
Imperial (lb, in)
703 factor:
Category lookup
Band the BMI:
Target weight at a BMI
Solve back:
Pitfalls & errors
Match units. Metric needs kg and meters; imperial needs the 703 factor with lb and inches.
Height in meters. 175 cm is 1.75 m — convert before squaring.
Screening only. BMI ignores muscle, frame, and distribution.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate BMI in Excel?
How do I show the BMI category?
Why is my imperial BMI wrong?
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