Ponderal Index Calculator

Work out ponderal index instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Ponderal Index Calculator

The ponderal index divides weight by the cube of height rather than the square, which makes it dimensionally consistent for a three-dimensional body. It therefore avoids BMI's habit of overstating tall people and understating short ones. At 70 kg and 1.75 m it is 13.06 kg/m3, a typical adult value.

Formulas

Ponderal index

PI = weight(kg) / height(m)^3

Compared with BMI

BMI = weight / height^2

Worked example

With the default values below, Ponderal Index Calculator returns Ponderal Index of 13.061. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Body weightminimum 1 kg: 70 kg
Heightminimum 50 cm: 175 cm

Results

Ponderal Index: 13.061 kg/m3
BMI For Comparison: 22.86 kg/m2
Build Interpretation: Typical build
Corpulence Index: 13.061

Step by step

1Values used
2Ponderal index
3Compared with BMI
4Ponderal Index= 13.061 kg/m3
5BMI For Comparison= 22.86 kg/m2
6Build Interpretation= Typical build
7Corpulence Index= 13.061

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 2 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 3 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
These figures are population-average estimates, not a medical assessment or diagnosis. Body composition equations carry errors of several percentage points, and healthy ranges vary with age, ethnicity, muscularity and medical history. Discuss weight or body composition goals with a qualified clinician or dietitian.
This is an estimate for general information and not professional medical advice. See the full disclaimer for the limits that apply to this kind of calculator.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

These figures are population-average estimates, not a medical assessment or diagnosis. Body composition equations carry errors of several percentage points, and healthy ranges vary with age, ethnicity, muscularity and medical history. Discuss weight or body composition goals with a qualified clinician or dietitian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why cube the height?

Because mass scales with volume, which is a cube of length. BMI's square is an empirical compromise that fits adult populations but distorts at the extremes of height.

Why is BMI used instead?

Historical convention and the fact that adult populations do not actually scale isometrically. BMI correlates slightly better with body fat across normal heights.