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How to calculate BMI in pounds, feet and inches

Use the imperial BMI formula with pounds and total inches, including a worked example and common conversion mistakes.

By Calculadoras.Tools Published 3 min read

To calculate BMI with US customary units, use weight in pounds and height in total inches:

BMI = 703 x weight (lb) / height (in)^2

Convert feet to inches first. Multiply the feet by 12, then add the remaining inches. A height of 5 ft 8 in is therefore:

(5 x 12) + 8 = 68 inches

For a person weighing 165 lb:

BMI = 703 x 165 / 68^2
BMI = 116,000 / 4,624
BMI = 25.1 approximately

The factor 703 reconciles pounds and inches with the metric definition of BMI. It is not needed when you use kilograms and metres.

Common errors include entering 5.8 as the height, squaring only the inches after the feet, or mixing pounds with the metric formula. Use either a complete metric calculation or a complete imperial one.

The BMI calculator accepts imperial units and performs the conversion automatically. BMI is a screening measure; interpret the result alongside other health information.

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