Ponderal Index Calculator
Compute the Ponderal Index (Corpulence Index) — an alternative to BMI better suited to very tall or very short individuals.
What is Ponderal Index?
The Ponderal Index, also known as the Corpulence Index, divides weight by height cubed instead of squared. This corrects BMI's tendency to overestimate adiposity in tall people and underestimate it in short people. It is widely used in pediatrics and in research where heights vary far from average.
How is it calculated?
PI = weight (kg) / height (m)³. Adult normal range is roughly 11–14 kg/m³.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why use PI instead of BMI?
- Especially helpful at the extremes of height.
- Is Ponderal Index used clinically?
- Yes — particularly in neonatal and pediatric medicine.
- How does PI relate to BMI?
- Both reflect body weight scaled to height; PI scales more strongly.