The CDC Adult BMI Chart at a Glance
The CDC uses four BMI categories for adults age 20 and older. BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²). The same cutoffs apply to men and women of all ages in the adult chart and are the standard US clinicians reference first.
| BMI Range | CDC Category | Health Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Possible nutrient deficiency and immune compromise |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal weight | Lowest risk of chronic disease |
| 25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight | Increased risk of obesity-related conditions |
| 30.0 - 34.9 | Obese (Class I) | High risk of chronic disease |
| 35.0 - 39.9 | Obese (Class II) | Very high risk of complications |
| 40.0+ | Obese (Class III) | Severe, clinically significant risk |
Quick Reference BMI-to-Weight Table
Below is a CDC-style reference showing the weight range (in pounds) that corresponds to a normal BMI for common adult heights. Use it as a rough guide; the calculator handles the exact math.
| Height | Normal BMI (18.5-24.9) Weight Range | Overweight (25-29.9) Starts At | Obese (30+) Starts At |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" (60 in) | 95 - 128 lb | 128 lb | 153 lb |
| 5'4" (64 in) | 108 - 146 lb | 146 lb | 175 lb |
| 5'8" (68 in) | 122 - 164 lb | 164 lb | 197 lb |
| 5'10" (70 in) | 129 - 174 lb | 174 lb | 209 lb |
| 6'0" (72 in) | 136 - 184 lb | 184 lb | 221 lb |
| 6'2" (74 in) | 144 - 195 lb | 195 lb | 233 lb |
How BMI Is Calculated
The CDC uses the standard formula: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². In US units: BMI = (weight in pounds ÷ height in inches²) × 703. The calculation is the same for men and women. Enter your numbers in the free BMI calculator above and the result appears instantly with your CDC category color-coded.
How the CDC Chart Differs for Children and Teens
Children and teens aged 2-19 are evaluated with CDC BMI-for-age growth charts in percentile form. The bands are:
- Underweight: below the 5th percentile
- Healthy weight: 5th to 85th percentile
- Overweight: 85th to 95th percentile
- Obese: at or above the 95th percentile
Pediatricians track the percentile trajectory rather than a single value, since growth happens in spurts and one reading can be misleading.
Limitations of the Adult BMI Chart
The CDC explicitly calls BMI a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. The chart has well-known limitations:
- Cannot distinguish muscle mass from fat mass
- Does not measure body fat distribution or visceral fat
- May overestimate body fatness in athletes and bodybuilders
- May underestimate body fat in older adults who have lost muscle
- Does not account for ethnic differences in body composition
- Pregnant and lactating women need a different assessment
Pairing BMI with waist circumference (under 40 inches for men, under 35 inches for women) and a basic fitness check gives a far more useful clinical picture than BMI alone.
CDC Guidance for Using the Chart
The CDC's guidance emphasizes the chart as a starting point for conversation, not an end in itself. Adults in the overweight or obese bands should be evaluated for blood pressure, fasting glucose, lipid panel, and waist circumference before any treatment decision. Those in the underweight band warrant a workup for malnutrition, thyroid dysfunction, and disordered eating. Adults in the normal range should focus on maintaining weight, building fitness, and re-checking BMI every few months.
Find Your Number on the Chart
Skip the lookup tables and let the calculator do the work. Enter your height and weight in either US or metric units and see your BMI, category, and target range in seconds.