Ponderal Index Calculator

Calculate your Ponderal Index.

Calculator
Your Measurements
Ponderal Index (PI)
A measure of leanness (corpulence).

Enter values to calculate your PI.

Share Result
A Guide to the Ponderal Index (PI)

The Ponderal Index (PI), also known as the Corpulence Index, is a measure of leanness or corpulence. It is similar to the Body Mass Index (BMI), but it is based on the relationship between mass and the cube of height, rather than the square of height.

The Ponderal Index Formula

The formula for calculating PI is:

PI = Mass (kg) / Height (m)³

How is PI Different from BMI?

Because PI uses the cube of height, it gives less weight to height than BMI does. This can make it a more sensitive measure for individuals at the very tall or very short ends of the spectrum. It is most frequently used in pediatrics to assess the leanness of infants (neonatal ponderal index), but it can also be applied to adults.

Interpreting Your PI

For adults, a Ponderal Index between 11 and 15 is generally considered to be in the normal range. A value below 11 may indicate that a person is underweight, while a value above 15 may suggest they are overweight.

Disclaimer: The Ponderal Index is an educational tool. Like BMI, it does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass. For a complete health assessment, consult with a qualified healthcare provider.

Results

Enter values to see the results.

Share Result
Generate an AI-powered summary to share.

A Guide to the Ponderal Index (PI)

The Ponderal Index (PI), also known as the Corpulence Index, is a measure of leanness or corpulence. It is similar to the Body Mass Index (BMI), but it is based on the relationship between mass and the cube of height, rather than the square of height.

The Ponderal Index Formula

The formula for calculating PI is:

PI = Mass (kg) / Height (m)³

How is PI Different from BMI?

Because PI uses the cube of height, it gives less weight to height than BMI does. This can make it a more sensitive measure for individuals at the very tall or very short ends of the spectrum. It is most frequently used in pediatrics to assess the leanness of infants (neonatal ponderal index), but it can also be applied to adults.

Interpreting Your PI

For adults, a Ponderal Index between 11 and 15 is generally considered to be in the normal range. A value below 11 may indicate that a person is underweight, while a value above 15 may suggest they are overweight.

Disclaimer: The Ponderal Index is an educational tool. Like BMI, it does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass. For a complete health assessment, consult with a qualified healthcare provider.