BMI Calculator Singapore (2026)
Calculate your Body Mass Index using Singapore's Asia-Pacific health thresholds.
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple measure of body weight relative to height, calculated as weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. Singapore uses Asia-Pacific BMI thresholds where overweight begins at 23.0, not the WHO standard of 25.0, because Asians face higher health risks at lower BMI levels.
Enter your weight and height to calculate your BMI
Your BMI
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Category
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Quick Reference
- • Underweight: BMI below 18.5
- • Normal: BMI 18.5 – 22.9 (Asia-Pacific threshold)
- • Overweight: BMI 23.0 – 27.4 (WHO uses 25.0)
- • Obese: BMI 27.5 and above (WHO uses 30.0)
- • HPB recommends maintaining BMI between 18.5 and 22.9 for optimal health
Singapore BMI Thresholds
Singapore uses Asia-Pacific BMI thresholds recommended by the Health Promotion Board (HPB). These are lower than the WHO international thresholds because Asian populations face higher health risks at lower BMI levels.
A BMI of 23.0is the overweight threshold in Singapore, compared to 25.0 used internationally. This means many Singaporeans who would be classified as "normal weight" by WHO standards are actually at increased health risk. To plan a healthier lifestyle, see how many calories you need daily with our Calorie Calculator. NSmen preparing for fitness tests can also use the IPPT Calculator to estimate their score.
Underweight
Below 18.5
Risk of nutritional deficiency
Normal
18.5 – 22.9
Low risk — healthy range
Overweight
23.0 – 27.4
Moderate risk of heart disease, diabetes
Obese
27.5 and above
High risk of chronic diseases
Frequently Asked Questions
What BMI is considered overweight in Singapore?expand_more
In Singapore, a BMI of 23.0 and above is considered overweight. This is lower than the WHO international threshold of 25.0. Singapore uses Asia-Pacific BMI thresholds recommended by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) because Asian populations face higher health risks at lower BMI levels.
Why does Singapore use different BMI thresholds?expand_more
Research shows that Asians develop health complications like diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations. The Asia-Pacific BMI thresholds (18.5 underweight, 23.0 overweight, 27.5 obese) reflect this increased risk profile.
What is a healthy BMI range for Singaporeans?expand_more
A healthy BMI range for Singaporean adults is 18.5 to 22.9. Below 18.5 is underweight, 23.0 to 27.4 is overweight, and 27.5 and above is obese according to HPB guidelines.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?expand_more
BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations. It does not distinguish between muscle and fat mass, so athletes may have a high BMI but low body fat. It also does not account for age, gender, or body composition. For a more complete picture, consider waist circumference and body fat percentage.
How is BMI calculated?expand_more
BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². For example, a person weighing 65 kg and standing 1.70 m tall has a BMI of 65 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 22.5.
Sources
- • Health Promotion Board (hpb.gov.sg) — Asia-Pacific BMI thresholds and healthy weight guidelines for Singapore
- • Ministry of Health (moh.gov.sg) — National health survey data and obesity prevalence statistics
- • WHO Western Pacific Region — Asia-Pacific BMI classification standards