BMI Calculator for Women — Reference Guide
The average BMI for US women is 30.1, placing the average woman in the Overweight category (CDC NHANES 2017–2020). The healthy range of 18.5–24.9 applies regardless of sex.
BMI Categories
Under 18.5Underweight
18.5 – 24.9Normal weight
25.0 – 29.9Overweight
30.0 – 34.9Obese Class I
35.0 – 39.9Obese Class II
40.0 +Obese Class III
BMI uses the same formula for women — height and weight only — but women naturally carry a higher percentage of body fat than men at the same BMI, particularly before menopause.
For women, waist circumference is a stronger predictor of metabolic risk than BMI alone. Women with waist over 35 inches (88 cm) face elevated cardiovascular and diabetes risk independent of BMI.