United States
Calculators using American standards and measurements
Overweight: ≥25, Obese: ≥30. Same as WHO global standard. US also applies Asian thresholds for relevant populations.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is uniquely American — it doesn't exist in most other countries. US mortgages are typically fully amortizing.
US banks compound savings daily and disclose APY (Annual Percentage Yield). Federal law requires APY disclosure on savings accounts.
The US uses a progressive federal income tax with 7 brackets (10%–37%). State income taxes vary — 9 states have no income tax at all.
US dietitians prefer Mifflin-St Jeor (1990), which studies show is the most accurate BMR formula for the general American adult population.
Tipping is a social obligation in the US. Wait staff earn as little as $2.13/hour base wage (federal tipped minimum). Tips are essential income.
US personal loan rates average 11–12% for good credit. Unlike the UK, most US lenders don't charge early repayment penalties.
The US is one of three countries (with Myanmar and Liberia) that hasn't officially adopted the metric system. Miles, pounds, Fahrenheit, gallons.
What Makes US Standards Unique?
- 30-year mortgage: Almost unique to the US. The government-backed mortgage market (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac) makes long-term fixed rates possible. UK mortgages fix for 2–10 years at most.
- Imperial units: Inches, pounds, Fahrenheit, miles per gallon. The US rejected metrication in the 1970s. Science uses metric; daily life uses imperial.
- Tipping culture: The US tipped minimum wage ($2.13/hour federal) means tips aren't optional — they're workers' primary income. Tipping 18–22% is standard.
- APY disclosure: The 1991 Truth in Savings Act requires banks to disclose APY on savings accounts. This makes US interest rate advertising more transparent than many countries.
- 4.0 GPA scale: Most US high schools and colleges use the 4.0 scale. A GPA of 3.5–4.0 is typically "honors" — there's no equivalent to the UK's First/2:1/2:2 classification.