BAI Calculator
Compute Body Adiposity Index (BAI) — an estimate of body fat % from just hip circumference and height.
What is BAI?
The Body Adiposity Index was proposed in 2011 by Bergman and colleagues as a BMI alternative that avoids weighing scales. It uses only hip circumference and height. BAI tends to track body-fat percentage better than BMI in some Hispanic and African-American populations, but research is mixed for other groups.
How is it calculated?
BAI = (hip circumference in cm / height in metres1.5) − 18. Healthy adult ranges depend on age and sex: roughly 8–21% for younger men and 21–33% for younger women.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is BAI better than BMI?
- Not universally. BAI works well in some populations but underestimates fat in lean men. Use it as a complement, not a replacement.
- Where do I measure hip circumference?
- At the widest part of the buttocks, with feet together and weight evenly distributed.
- Does BAI need weight?
- No — that's its appeal. Just hip and height.