Ponderal Index
Because BMI divides by height squared, it penalises tall people and flatters short ones. The Ponderal Index divides by height cubed and distorts less.
Your numbers
Ponderal index
13.23
BMI
22.5
Formula
Ponderal index = Weight (kg) ÷ (Height (cm) ÷ 100)³
Roughly 11–15 is treated as normal in adults, but the cut-offs are far less standardised than BMI.
What to enter
| Input | Default | Accepted range |
|---|---|---|
| Height (cm)Height in centimetres; converted to metres inside the formula. | 170 | 30 ~ 250 |
| Weight (kg)The second weight you are comparing against. | 65 | 2 ~ 300 |
Step by step
Quick reference table
Results when only Height (cm) changes and everything else stays put.
| Height (cm) | Ponderal index | BMI |
|---|---|---|
| 85 | 105.84 | 90 |
| 128 | 30.99 | 39.7 |
| 170 | 13.23 | 22.5 |
| 250 | 4.16 | 10.4 |
What each result means
| Result | At default values |
|---|---|
| Ponderal indexAn index divided by height cubed; it fits infants and very tall people better than BMI. | 13.23 |
| BMIA build index from height and weight alone; it cannot tell muscle from fat. | 22.5 |
Common mistakes
Roughly 11–15 is treated as normal in adults, but the cut-offs are far less standardised than BMI.
Glossary
- Height (cm)
- Height in centimetres; converted to metres inside the formula.
- Weight (kg)
- The second weight you are comparing against.
- Ponderal index
- An index divided by height cubed; it fits infants and very tall people better than BMI.
- BMI
- A build index from height and weight alone; it cannot tell muscle from fat.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How is Ponderal Index calculated?
Ponderal index = Weight (kg) ÷ (Height (cm) ÷ 100)³ — Because BMI divides by height squared, it penalises tall people and flatters short ones. The Ponderal Index divides by height cubed and distorts less.
Q. Can you walk through an example?
With Height (cm) 170, Weight (kg) 65, the answer is Ponderal index 13.23.
Q. What do I need to enter?
Enter Height (cm), Weight (kg). The result recalculates as you type, and an empty box counts as zero.
Q. How much does the answer move if I change a number?
Changing only Height (cm) moves the answer to Height (cm) 85 → Ponderal index 105.84 and Height (cm) 250 → Ponderal index 4.16. The table below lays out five steps.
Q. How are the numbers rounded?
Money is shown to the nearest whole unit, percentages to one decimal place and everything else to two. What you see is rounded; the calculation itself carries the unrounded value forward.
Q. Anything to watch out for?
Roughly 11–15 is treated as normal in adults, but the cut-offs are far less standardised than BMI.
Related calculators
These calculators help you understand health figures; they do not replace diagnosis or prescription. See a clinician if you have symptoms.