Body Adiposity Index Calculator (BAI)

Quick answer

The body adiposity index calculator estimates body fat percentage from hip circumference and height, without needing weight. It was proposed in 2011 as an alternative to BMI.

Body adiposity index
— % body fat

BAI was designed to estimate fat percentage directly. Later studies found it is not consistently better than BMI, so treat it as one estimate among several.

How to use the Body Adiposity Index Calculator

  1. Hip circumference
  2. Height

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

How it works

Divide hip circumference in centimetres by height in metres raised to 1.5, then subtract 18.

Inputs explained

Field What to enter
Hip circumference Units: cm, m, mm, in, ft
Height Units: cm, m, mm, in, ft

Example values

How the main result changes when Hip circumference changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Hip circumference (cm) Body adiposity index (% body fat)
50 3.6
75 14.4
100 25.2
125 36
150 46.8
200 68.4

Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.

Formula

BAI = hip (cm) ÷ height (m)^1.5 − 18

Worked example

Inputs — Hip circumference: 100 cm; Height: 175 cm.
Results — Body adiposity index = 25.2 % body fat.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my weight?

No, only hips and height.

Is BAI accurate?

It can over- or under-estimate fat in some groups; compare with other methods.

What formula does the Body Adiposity Index Calculator use?

BAI = hip (cm) ÷ height (m)^1.5 − 18.

Sources

  1. Bergman RN et al. A better index of body adiposity. Obesity, 2011

Cite this calculator

Speedy Calculator. (2026). Body Adiposity Index Calculator (BAI). Speedy Calculator. https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/body-adiposity-index/