Healthy BMI for women

What is a good BMI for women?

The guideline is between 18.5 and 24.9, according to the CDC. Body mass index can provide additional context to height and weight, use our BMI calculator for women.

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is used to determine whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Normal BMI range for women varies depending on a woman's age and stage of life. Here are some general guidelines for women:

  • Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
  • Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
  • Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
  • Obese: BMI 30 or higher

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all adults maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 25 to reduce the risk of developing health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

BMI ranges for women

BMI Weight Status
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 – 24.9 Healthy Weight
25.0 – 29.9 Overweight
30.0 and Above Obesity

What is a good BMI for women by age?

For young and middle-aged women (18 to 39 years old), a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. For women over the age of 40, a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered healthy.

If you are wondering what is the ideal BMI for a woman of your age? Find more details below or look at our BMI chart for women.

Age 20-29:
  • Underweight: less than 18.5
  • Healthy weight: 18.5 to 24.9
  • Overweight: 25 to 29.9
  • Obese: 30 or greater
Age 30-39:
  • Underweight: less than 18.5
  • Healthy weight: 18.5 to 25.9
  • Overweight: 26 to 30.9
  • Obese: 31 or greater
Age 40-49:
  • Underweight: less than 18.6
  • Healthy weight: 18.6 to 26.9
  • Overweight: 27 to 31.9
  • Obese: 32 or greater
Age 50-59:
  • Underweight: less than 19.1
  • Healthy weight: 19.1 to 27.4
  • Overweight: 27.5 to 32.4
  • Obese: 32.5 or greater
Age 60 and over:
  • Underweight: less than 19.6
  • Healthy weight: 19.6 to 29.9
  • Overweight: 30 to 32.9
  • Obese: 33 or greater
Age Range Healthy BMI Average BMI in the US
18-24 18.5 to 24.9 27.1
25-29 18.5 to 24.9 27.9
30-34 18.5 to 25.9 29.6
35-39 18.5 to 25.9 30.2
40-44 18.6 to 26.9 30.1
45-49 18.6 to 26.9 29.7
50-54 19.1 to 27.4 30.1
55-59 19.1 to 27.4 29.8
60-64 19.6 to 29.9 30.5
65-69 19.6 to 29.9 30
70-74 19.6 to 29.9 29.8
75+ 19.6 to 29.9 28.1

How to calculate BMI for women

To calculate your BMI, you will need to know your weight in kilograms and your height in meters. You can then use the following formula to calculate your BMI:

BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)^2

For example, if you weigh 60 kilograms and are 1.7 meters tall, your BMI would be:

BMI = 60 / (1.7)^2 = 20.8

You can also use an online BMI calculator to determine your BMI. Just enter your weight and height, and the calculator will do the rest. It's important to note that BMI is not a perfect measure of body fat, as it does not take into account differences in muscle mass, bone density, and distribution of fat. Therefore, it is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the best weight range for you.

BMI frequently asked question

What BMI range is normal?

BMI 15 female: underweight

Is 15 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 15, you are considered underweight.

BMI 16 female: underweight

Is 16 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 16, you are considered underweight.

BMI 17 female: underweight

Is 17 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 17, you are considered underweight.

BMI 18 female: underweight

Is 18 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 18, you are considered underweight.

BMI 18.5 female: underweight

Is 18.5 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 18.5, you are considered underweight.

BMI 19 female: healthy weight

Is 19 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 19, you are considered a healthy weight.

BMI 20 female: healthy weight

Is 20 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 20, you are considered a healthy weight.

BMI 21 female: healthy weight

Is 21 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 21, you are considered a healthy weight.

BMI 22 female: healthy weight

Is 22 BMI good for a woman?If you're a woman and your BMI is 22, you are considered a healthy weight.

BMI 23 female: healthy weight

Is 23 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 23, you are considered a healthy weight.

BMI 23.8 female: healthy weight

Is 23.8 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 23.8, you are considered a healthy weight.

BMI 24 female: healthy weight

Is 24 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 24, you are considered a healthy weight.

BMI 24.9 female: healthy weight

Is 24.9 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 24.9, you are considered overweight

BMI 25 female: overweight

Is 25 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 25, you are considered overweight.

BMI 25.5female: overweight

Is 25.5 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 25.5, you are considered overweight.

BMI 26 female: overweight

Is 26 BMI good for a woman? If you're a woman and your BMI is 26, you are considered overweight.

What are the most obese states in the U.S.?

West Virginia has the highest adult obesity rate at 40.6% according to the most recent Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data.