Understanding and Calculating BMI Using Inches and Pounds
Understanding and Calculating BMI Using Inches and Pounds
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used metric for assessing a person's weight relative to their height. This versatile and straightforward calculation helps in understanding the health risks associated with various weights. If you're working with measurements in pounds and inches, knowing how to calculate BMI is crucial.
Formula and Explanation
Calculating BMI using pounds and inches follows a specific formula:
BMI (weight in pounds divide; height in inches squared) times; 703
This formula is particularly useful when you are dealing with non-metric units. Let's break it down:
Take your weight in pounds. Measure your height in inches. Square your height (height in inches times; height in inches). Divide your weight in pounds by the square of your height. Multiply the result by 703.For example, if a person weighs 150 pounds and is 60 inches tall, the calculation would be:
BMI (150 divide; 602) times; 703
BMI (150 divide; 3600) times; 703
BMI 0.0417 times; 703
BMI ≈ 29.4
This result places the individual in the overweight category according to the BMI chart.
Calculation Steps Using Inches and Pounds
The key to accurately calculating BMI in pounds and inches is to follow these steps:
Determine your weight in pounds. Measure your height in inches. Square your height (use a calculator if necessary). Divide your weight by the square of your height. Multiply the quotient by 703 to get your BMI.This method is particularly handy for individuals who prefer using traditional American measurements. It's also a standard used in various healthcare settings and online calculators.
Other BMI Calculation Methods
While the method using pounds and inches is popular, it's important to understand that BMI can also be calculated using kilograms and meters. This is often the standard in much of the world:
BMI weight (in kilograms) divide; height (in meters) squared
Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
Convert your weight from pounds to kilograms. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide your weight by 2.20462. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, your weight in kilograms would be 68.04 kg. Measure your height in meters. If you're 60 inches tall, this is approximately 1.524 meters. Square your height (height in meters times; height in meters). For 1.524 meters, the square is 2.32274. Divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height. This gives you 68.04 kg divide; 2.32274. Round the result to one decimal place. This will give you the BMI.Calculating BMI with Online Tools
While manual calculation is useful for understanding how BMI is derived, utilizing online BMI calculators can be a more convenient and accurate option. These tools allow you to input your weight and height in the appropriate units (pounds and inches for this case) and will provide the BMI for you.
For instance, if a person weighs 140 pounds and is 5 feet 6 inches tall:
Convert 5 feet 6 inches to inches. This is 66 inches. Use the formula: BMI (weight in pounds divide; height in inches squared) times; 703. Calculate: BMI (140 divide; 66^2) times; 703. This gives you: BMI ≈ 22.6.This BMI falls within the healthy weight range.
Conclusion
Understanding and calculating BMI using pounds and inches is a valuable skill, particularly for individuals who work with non-metric measurements. By following the steps outlined here or using online BMI calculators, you can easily determine your BMI and take appropriate actions for your health.