Ponderal Index Calculator

Calculate the Ponderal Index (PI), also known as Rohrer's Index, to evaluate body build by comparing weight to height cubed. The metric helps assess newborn growth and offers taller adults an alternative perspective to BMI.

Enter weight in kilograms; divide pounds by 2.205 to convert.
Measure standing height in centimeters without shoes.

For general informational purposes; not a medical diagnosis.

Examples

  • 70 kg at 175 cm ⇒ 13.3 kg/m³ Ponderal Index
  • 60 kg at 160 cm ⇒ 14.6 kg/m³ Ponderal Index
  • 82 kg at 190 cm ⇒ 11.4 kg/m³ Ponderal Index

FAQ

How is Ponderal Index different from BMI?

BMI divides weight by height squared, while Ponderal Index divides by height cubed to better compare individuals of different statures.

Can it indicate healthy weight?

It offers a broad guideline, but it does not replace professional advice or detailed body composition analysis.

Are metric units required?

Yes—convert pounds to kilograms and inches to centimeters before entering values.

Is Ponderal Index useful for infants?

Yes, neonatal specialists use PI to evaluate newborn growth because it adjusts better for length than BMI.

Additional Information

  • Ponderal Index = weight (kg) ÷ height³ (m³), producing a density-style number in kg/m³.
  • Because PI uses height cubed, it reduces the bias against taller bodies found in BMI calculations.
  • Clinicians often expect healthy adult PI values to range roughly between 11 and 15 kg/m³, but personal factors vary.

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