Reverse BMI Calculator
Enter your height and target BMI to calculate the corresponding weight in pounds or kilograms. You can also view the adult BMI category and healthy-weight range for your height.
A reverse BMI calculator works backward from the standard BMI formula. Instead of using height and weight to calculate BMI, it uses height and a selected BMI to calculate the corresponding adult reference weight.
Underweight
Below 18.5
Adult BMI category used for screening and population-level comparison.
Healthy weight
18.5 to <25
Adult BMI category used for screening and population-level comparison.
Overweight
25 to <30
Adult BMI category used for screening and population-level comparison.
Class 1 obesity
30 to <35
Adult BMI category used for screening and population-level comparison.
Class 2 obesity
35 to <40
Adult BMI category used for screening and population-level comparison.
Class 3 obesity
40 or greater
Adult BMI category used for screening and population-level comparison.
Weight for Common BMI Values
These reference weights update from the height entered above and show common adult BMI thresholds.
| BMI | Meaning | Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18.5 | Lower healthy-weight boundary | 125.3 | 56.8 |
| 20 | Example within healthy category | 135.4 | 61.4 |
| 22 | Example within healthy category | 149 | 67.6 |
| 24.9 | Just below overweight threshold | 168.6 | 76.5 |
| 25 | Overweight threshold | 169.3 | 76.8 |
| 30 | Obesity threshold | 203.2 | 92.1 |
How to Use the Reverse BMI Calculator
Choose US or metric units, enter your height, then select a target BMI or type your own value. The calculator solves the standard BMI equation backward to estimate the weight that corresponds to that BMI.
Enter adult height in feet and inches, or centimeters.
Pick a target BMI preset or use the slider for a custom target.
Optionally add current weight to see the difference from the target.
Use the healthy range output to compare the full CDC healthy BMI band.
Adult BMI Notes
The CDC describes BMI as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared and classifies adults 20 and older using CDC adult BMI categories.
- Healthy adult BMI category: 18.5 to less than 25.
- Overweight category starts at BMI 25.
- Obesity category starts at BMI 30 and is divided into classes.
- BMI is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Reverse BMI Formula
The standard BMI formula divides weight by height squared. Reverse BMI multiplies the target BMI by height squared to solve for target weight.
Metric
Target kg = BMI x height(m)^2US customary
Approx. target lb = BMI x height(in)^2 / 703Example height
69 total inches
5 ft 9 in
Target BMI
Example within the adult healthy-weight category
22
Target weight
Traditional US approximation: 22 x 69 x 69 / 703
149 lb
Healthy range
BMI 18.5 to less than 25 at 5 ft 9 in
125.3 lb to less than 169.3 lb
What the Result Means
The output is a mathematical weight estimate for a selected BMI. It can help with planning conversations, but it cannot determine body composition, nutritional status, or whether weight change is appropriate.
Safety Guidelines
This calculator is for education only. Seek professional guidance before pursuing intentional weight loss or gain if you are pregnant, postpartum, under 20, managing chronic disease, recovering from illness, or have a history of disordered eating.
Reverse BMI FAQ
Common questions about target BMI weight calculations.
What is a reverse BMI calculator?
A reverse BMI calculator starts with height and a target BMI, then solves the BMI formula backward to estimate the weight that would produce that BMI.
What is the reverse BMI formula?
The metric formula is Target weight in kg = target BMI x height in meters squared. The traditional US formula uses 703 as a rounded conversion factor; this calculator calculates in SI units and then converts to pounds.
Is BMI a diagnosis?
No. BMI is a screening measure, not a diagnosis. It does not directly measure body fat, muscle mass, lab values, medical history, or fitness.
What BMI target should I use?
For adults 20 and older, the CDC healthy weight category is 18.5 to less than 25. A personal target should be discussed with a clinician if weight change is medically important.
Can this be used for children or teens?
No. Children and teens use age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles, not fixed adult BMI thresholds.
How do I calculate weight from BMI?
Multiply the target BMI by height in meters squared to get kilograms. To convert kilograms to pounds, divide by 0.45359237.
What weight is a BMI of 25 for my height?
It depends on height. Enter 25 as the target BMI and the calculator will show the weight that corresponds to the adult overweight threshold.
Is reverse BMI the same as ideal weight?
No. Reverse BMI calculates the weight for a selected BMI and height. Ideal-weight calculators may use separate formulas that include sex, height, or frame assumptions.
Does target BMI differ for men and women?
The standard adult BMI formula and CDC adult BMI categories do not change by sex, though BMI has individual limitations and does not measure body composition.
Can athletes use this calculator?
Athletes can calculate the mathematical result, but BMI may misrepresent body composition in people with high muscularity.
Does this work during pregnancy?
No. This calculator should not be used to set pregnancy weight targets. Pregnancy-specific clinical guidance is needed.
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