Health & Fitness

Ponderal Index Calculator (Rohrer's Index)

Enter height and weight to get the ponderal index.

By TheCalcTools Updated Formula checked and tested

Your numbers

Your results

Ponderal index (kg/m³)
Ponderal index (kg/m³)
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BMI (kg/m²)
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Typical adult range
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Ponderal Index Calculator (Rohrer's Index) by TheCalcTools

How the Ponderal Index Calculator (Rohrer's Index) works

The ponderal index divides weight by height cubed instead of squared. Because body volume scales roughly with height cubed, it changes less than BMI between tall and short people.

It is also used, in grams per cubic centimetre × 100, to assess newborn growth.

The formula

PI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)³

Worked example

Using the default values shown in the calculator:

Weight70
Height175
  1. 70 ÷ 1.75³ = 13.06 kg/m³ (BMI 22.9).

Result:

Ponderal index (kg/m³)13.06
BMI (kg/m²)22.9
Typical adult range11 to 15 kg/m³

Frequently asked questions

Is PI better than BMI?

For very tall or short people it can be more consistent, but neither measures body fat directly.

Sources and further reading

BMI CalculatorCalculate your body mass index (BMI) from your height and weight, see which adult… Body Adiposity Index (BAI) CalculatorEnter your hip circumference and height to estimate body fat with BAI A Body Shape Index (ABSI) CalculatorEnter waist, height and weight to calculate your body shape index Body Fat CalculatorEstimate your body fat percentage from a tape measure, using the U.S Ideal Weight CalculatorSee what four classic formulas suggest for your height Healthy Weight Range CalculatorWhat weights fall in the normal BMI range for your height?

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This calculator gives general estimates for information and education. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Talk to a qualified health professional about your own situation. See our disclaimer.