1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²).

2. Military BMI Standards for Men

The U.S. military uses BMI as one of several screening tools for enlistment:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5 (Generally not accepted)
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9 (Ideal for service)
• Overweight: BMI 25.0-29.9 (May require waiver)
• Obese: BMI ≥ 30 (Generally not accepted)

Note: Some branches may have slightly different standards or allow waivers for exceptional candidates.

3. How to Calculate BMI

The BMI formula is:

Or alternatively in pounds and inches:

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. The calculator will compute your BMI and indicate whether you meet military standards.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my BMI is slightly above the military limit?
A: Some branches may accept candidates with BMI up to 32 if they pass body fat percentage measurements.

Q2: Does the military measure body fat too?
A: Yes, for candidates with BMI between 25-32, body fat percentage is typically measured via tape test.

Q3: Are there height/weight tables instead of BMI?
A: Some branches use both BMI and traditional height/weight tables for screening.

Q4: Can I join if I'm underweight?
A: Underweight candidates may require medical evaluation to rule out eating disorders or other conditions.

Q5: Do special forces have different standards?
A: Yes, special operations forces often have more stringent physical requirements including body composition standards.