Quick Answer
Clue: “Health measure calculated using height and weight: Abbr.”
Answer: BMI
Length: 3 letters
Clue number and direction: 4-Across
In the grid, it appears simply as BMI across three consecutive squares.
Why BMI Is the Right NYT Answer
- The clue clearly points to a health-related number derived from both height and weight, which is exactly how BMI (Body Mass Index) is defined. The “Abbr.” at the end of the clue signals that the puzzle wants the shortened form, making BMI a perfect 3-letter fit.
- For 4-Across, the Mini provides three boxes, and BMI is the standard, widely-known health metric that matches both the definition and length, so alternative entries are very unlikely here.
What BMI Means in Plain English
- BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a number that compares your weight to your height to give a rough idea of whether you are underweight, at a “normal” weight, overweight, or obese.
- It is calculated using a person’s weight and height in a simple formula, often used as a quick screening tool in health contexts.
- BMI does not directly measure body fat and does not capture all aspects of health; it is just one basic indicator among many. This page is for crossword help only and should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or decisions about your health.
Crossword-Specific Help: Pattern, Crossings, and Recurrence
- BMI is a very common crossword answer, appearing frequently in NYT and other major puzzles whenever a clue mentions height and weight, “health stat,” or “fitness measure.”
- In the January 31, 2026 NYT Mini, crossings from nearby downs will confirm each letter of 4A: the B, M, and I all intersect straightforward, early-week-style fill.
- You may also see BMI clued as “Health stat, for short,” “Fit or fat measure, briefly,” or “Wt.-to-ht. ratio, abbr.” in other crossword contexts.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When a clue mentions both height and weight, think of ratios or indexes; BMI should be your first guess if the length is three letters and the clue includes “Abbr.”
- For short health or fitness measures, keep a mental list: BMI, HDL, LDL, BMR, etc., and match by length and crosses.
- Use crossings to lock it in: once you see B?I with a health/weight clue, BMI is almost guaranteed in an easy NYT Mini slot.
This strategy works across many Minis and dailies where concise, science-y abbreviations are common fill.
More NYT Mini Crossword Answers for January 29, 2026
| Clue | Answer | |
| 1A | Lifeguard’s skill, for short | View Answer |
| 4A | Health measure calculated using height and weight: Abbr. | View Answer |
| 7A | “I’ve cracked the code!” | View Answer |
| 8A | Long, long time | View Answer |
| 9A | Like a desert’s climate | View Answer |
| 1D | Header on a company’s website, perhaps | View Answer |
| 2D | Opponent of a Met or Marlin, in the N.L. East | View Answer |
| 3D | Halves of diameters | View Answer |
| 4D | Tech release that’s not the finished product | View Answer |
| 9D | Words from someone hoping to be friends on Facebook | View Answer |
