The female BMI visualizer draws a woman’s figure using typical female proportions (narrower waist, wider hips) and scales it to your BMI. Healthy for women is a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 – the same as for men.
Female BMI Visualizer
Women’s body shapes at different BMIs
Most women in England are in the 25 to 30 range: the average BMI for women is 27.6 (Health Survey for England 2022).
Why women look different at the same BMI
Women naturally carry more body fat than men – often around 8 to 12 percentage points more at the same BMI – mostly on the hips, thighs and bust. After the menopause, fat tends to shift to the waist. A woman with a BMI of 24 and a pear shape may have a lower health risk than a woman with a BMI of 23 who carries fat around her middle.
The best extra check is your waist: keep it to less than half your height. Try the waist-to-height ratio calculator or read body shape types explained.
Related tools for women
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthy BMI look like for a woman?
It varies with height and build. Try BMI 20 to 24 in the visualizer to see typical healthy shapes at your height.
Is BMI different for women?
No – the same categories apply. But women usually have more body fat than men at the same BMI.
What does a BMI of 30 look like on a woman?
Use the gallery above or enter a weight that gives BMI 30 at your height. At 5′4″, BMI 30 is about 12 st 7 lb (79.3 kg).
Related tools and guides
About this page
Sources
Medical disclaimer: this tool gives an estimate for adults and is not a diagnosis or medical advice. bmicalculatornhs.net is independent and not affiliated with the NHS. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional about your own health. Full disclaimer.