Calculate Body Adiposity Index (BAI) from hip circumference and height, or solve for hip or height using BAI and unit conversions.

An adult research estimate from hip circumference and height. BAI is not a direct body-fat measurement or a diagnosis.

Measure around the widest part of the hips/buttocks with a level tape, without compressing tissue.

Enter 1.85 m, 185 cm, 73 in, or 6 ft 1 in. Feet and inches may be entered together; include the unit.

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only; not medical advice. BAI is an estimate (not a diagnostic test) and can be inaccurate for some people (including adolescents, pregnancy, older adults, and very athletic or atypical body types). If you have concerns about weight, nutrition, or body image—including eating disorders—seek help from a qualified healthcare professional.

BAI Formula

The Body Adiposity Index, or BAI, estimates body fat percentage from hip circumference and height. The calculator uses hip circumference in centimeters and height in meters for the main formula.

BAI = (Hip / Height¹.5) - 18
  • BAI = Body Adiposity Index, expressed as a percentage
  • Hip = hip circumference in centimeters
  • Height = height in meters

Select Hip circumference from BAI to use the algebraic inverse; this is not a recommended body size:

Hip = (BAI + 18) × Height¹.5

Select Height from BAI to use the algebraic inverse; this does not predict growth:

Height = (Hip / (BAI + 18))⁽2 / 3)

The calculator also converts your selected units before applying the formula:

Hipcm = Hipᵢn × 2.54
Heightₘ = Heightcm × 0.01
Heightₘ = Heightᵢn × 0.0254
Heightₘ = (Feet × 12 + Inches) × 0.0254
  • Hip_cm = hip circumference converted to centimeters
  • Hip_in = hip circumference entered in inches
  • Height_m = height converted to meters
  • Height_cm = height entered in centimeters
  • Height_in = height entered in inches
  • Feet and Inches = height entered in feet and inches

Select the value to solve for, then enter the displayed quantities. Include height units, such as 1.85 m, 185 cm, 73 in, or 6 ft 1 in. Hip units convert entered values. Supported software ranges are height 1–2.5 m, hips 40–200 cm, and BAI 0–100%; these limits are not health cutoffs.

BAI Result Ranges

BAI is an imperfect research estimate. The calculator does not assign body-fat categories: general body-fat thresholds are not validated individual BAI classifications. Validation research found substantial disagreement with measured body fat (see Freedman et al.).

Group Lower BAI Middle BAI Higher BAI
Adult men No category assigned No category assigned No category assigned
Adult women No category assigned No category assigned No category assigned

Unit Conversion Reference

Measurement Entered unit Conversion used
Hip circumference Inches Multiply by 2.54 to get centimeters
Height Centimeters Multiply by 0.01 to get meters
Height Inches Multiply by 0.0254 to get meters
Height Feet and inches Convert to total inches, then multiply by 0.0254

BAI Calculation Examples

Example 1: Calculate BAI

You have a hip circumference of 94 cm and a height of 1.85 m.

BAI = (94 / 1.85¹.5) - 18
BAI = 19.36%

The estimated BAI is 19.36%.

Example 2: Calculate hip circumference

You have a BAI of 25% and a height of 1.70 m.

Hip = (25 + 18) × 1.70¹.5
Hip ≈ 95.31 cm

The algebraic result is 95.31 cm; it is not a recommended hip circumference.

FAQ

What is BAI?

BAI stands for Body Adiposity Index. It is a body fat estimate based on hip circumference and height. Unlike BMI, it does not use body weight. BAI does not directly measure body fat and should not be used alone to classify individual health.

How should I measure hip circumference for BAI?

Stand relaxed and use a flexible tape measure. Keep the tape level around your body and measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks. Do not pull the tape so tightly that it compresses the tissue.

Is BAI more accurate than BMI?

BAI and BMI estimate different things using different inputs. BMI uses weight and height, while BAI uses hip circumference and height. Neither method directly measures body fat. For a more complete assessment, body composition methods such as skinfold testing, bioelectrical impedance, DEXA, or clinical evaluation may be more informative.