What BMI measures.
BMI relates weight to height. The CDC calculator uses adult categories for people age 20 and older. BMI does not measure body composition directly, and a health professional may consider other information when assessing health. A category is a screening reference, not a diagnosis.
A reference interval is not an ideal weight.
Our calculator shows the weights corresponding to BMI 18.5 to below 25 for the entered height. This is a mathematical interval. It does not establish an individual target, account for every body type, or tell someone how quickly to change their weight.
Energy estimates are a different calculation.
The optional BMR calculation uses the published Schofield weight-only equations listed by FAO. The activity calculation multiplies that estimate by an entire published activity band. It is an estimate based on population research and a self-selected description of activity.
Use a range as context.
The daily energy range is not an instruction to eat that number of calories. The calculator does not subtract a calorie deficit, forecast weight change, or prescribe protein. Its separate meal-planning count simply multiplies planned days by meal occasions per day.