An important part of a man's overall health is maintaining a healthy body weight. Body Mass Index , or BMI, is a tool that helps you know if you're in a healthy range.

BMI takes your height and weight and provides a number that corresponds to a weight category, such "underweight" or "overweight." Men's BMI is one of many tools used to determine risk for weight-related health conditions.

Body Mass Index (BMI) for Men

To calculate BMI you don't need many measurements — only your height and weight are required. Weigh yourself in the morning before breakfast to find your most accurate weight. Next, measure your full height, and consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's BMI calculator for a more specific result.

An ideal BMI for an adult man is between 18.5 and 24.9.

Body Mass Index Chart for Men

Match your weight to your height on our chart to find your corresponding BMI.

Men's BMI Chart by Height

5 feet tall

  • 150 pounds: BMI 29
  • 170 pounds: BMI 33
  • 190 pounds: BMI 37
  • 210 pounds: BMI 41
  • 230 pounds: BMI 45
  • 250 pounds: BMI 49

5 feet, 3 inches

  • 150 pounds: BMI 27
  • 170 pounds: BMI 30
  • 190 pounds: BMI 34
  • 210 pounds: BMI 37
  • 230 pounds: BMI 41
  • 250 pounds: BMI 44

5 feet, 6 inches

  • 150 pounds: BMI 24
  • 170 pounds: BMI 28
  • 190 pounds: BMI 31
  • 210 pounds: BMI 34
  • 230 pounds: BMI 37
  • 250 pounds: BMI 40

5 feet, 9 inches

  • 150 pounds: BMI 22
  • 170 pounds: BMI 25
  • 190 pounds: BMI 28
  • 210 pounds: BMI 31
  • 230 pounds: BMI 34
  • 250 pounds: BMI 37

6 feet

  • 150 pounds: BMI 20
  • 170 pounds: BMI 23
  • 190 pounds: BMI 26
  • 210 pounds: BMI 29
  • 230 pounds: BMI 31
  • 250 pounds: BMI 34

Now, refer to the BMI categories below to determine your result.

  • Underweight: Below 18.5
  • Normal: 18.5 to 24.9
  • Overweight: 25.0 to 29.9
  • Obese: 30.0 and Above

According to the CDC, men who are obese are at a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancers, depression, and other ailments. Men are especially at risk for heart attack, and it's the leading cause of death for men.

BMI Alternatives

Fortunately, there are many ways to minimize your risk for these diseases — primarily by reducing weight, taking on a healthy diet, and becoming more physically active. For severely obese men, bariatric surgery has also been shown to be effective in reducing the risk for these diseases. BMI is just one indicator of risk for weight-related health problems. Other considerations should also be taken into account, including physical activity, whether you smoke, genetic factors, and more.

Body surface area for men

Body Surface Area (BSA) , for example, is another metric that can help you gauge your overall health. BSA is the total surface area of the human body.  A number of different formulas are used to calculate this measurement. Height, weight, age, and gender are all factors that contribute to BSA. According to the journal Nursing, BSA also is related to the size of organs like your heart, blood volume, and heat exchange.

BSA differs from BMI in that it estimates the total outer surface area of your body. BMI is an estimate of body fat. BSA can differentiate between muscle and fat more easily than BMI can. Because of that, it may be a better predictor of some potential health concerns, like coronary artery disease.

You should also consider belly fat and the circumference of your waistline, as excess fat around your waistline is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

When to See a Doctor for BMI

If your calculated BMI falls into the underweight, overweight, or obese categories, you should consult your doctor. He or she can help determine your risk factors, as well as develop a plan to achieve your best health.

Learn more about getting healthy. Visit the UPMC BodyChangers webpage.