BMI and waist-to-height ratio: different measurements
Waist-to-height ratio divides waist circumference by height in the same units. BMI also requires weight and squares height. These measures describe different inputs; neither can be converted into the other. Neither establishes an individual's health. The worked values below are illustrations, not personal targets.
The short answer
Waist-to-height ratio divides waist circumference by height in the same units. BMI also requires weight and squares height. These measures describe different inputs; neither can be converted into the other. Neither establishes an individual's health. The worked values below are illustrations, not personal targets.
How we calculate
Waist-to-height ratio divides waist circumference by height in the same units. BMI also requires weight and squares height. These measures describe different inputs; neither can be converted into the other. Neither establishes an individual's health. The worked values below are illustrations, not personal targets.
Body mass index (BMI) is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. It is one screening measure, not a diagnosis or a direct measurement of body fat.
A reproducible calculation
Equivalences are calculated before rounding. Calculator measurements stay separate from the general-question assistant.
80 cm / 170 cm = 0.4705882
(80 / 2.54) in / (170 / 2.54) in = 0.4705882| How we calculate | Value |
|---|---|
| Metric (kg/cm) | 80 cm / 170 cm = 0.4705882 |
| Imperial (lbs/ft-in) | 31.496063 in / 66.9291339 in = 0.4705882 |
Screening scope
Adult (20+), not pregnant. For ages 2–19, use a validated BMI-for-age calculator. This tool shows adult ranges only.
BMI is one screening measure, not a diagnosis or a weight goal. It does not distinguish muscle from fat and is not suitable for pregnancy.
The standard adult BMI formula is the same for women and men. The same BMI does not establish the same body composition or personal health risk.
This explanation checks the method and arithmetic. It does not claim an independent medical review. Personal interpretation requires context and an appropriate healthcare professional.
Sources
BMI is one screening measure, not a diagnosis or a weight goal. It does not distinguish muscle from fat and is not suitable for pregnancy. This explanation checks the method and arithmetic. It does not claim an independent medical review. Personal interpretation requires context and an appropriate healthcare professional.
Sources below are in English.
- CDC: BMI
Body mass index (BMI) is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. It is one screening measure, not a diagnosis or a direct measurement of body fat.
- CDC: BMI 20+
Adult (20+), not pregnant. For ages 2–19, use a validated BMI-for-age calculator. This tool shows adult ranges only.
- NIST: SI
Imperial inputs are converted using 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg and 1 in = 2.54 cm. Five feet nine inches is 69 inches, not 5.9 feet.
- NICE NG246
Waist-to-height ratio divides waist circumference by height in the same units. BMI also requires weight and squares height. These measures describe different inputs; neither can be converted into the other. Neither establishes an individual's health. The worked values below are illustrations, not personal targets.
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