BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index

Input Details
Results
BMI Categories
  • Underweight Below 18.5
  • Normal weight 18.5 - 24.9
  • Overweight 25.0 - 29.9
  • Obesity (Class I) 30.0 - 34.9
  • Obesity (Class II) 35.0 - 39.9
  • Obesity (Class III) 40.0 and above
Healthy Weight Range

Calculate your BMI to see your healthy weight range

How to use this tool

BMI Calculator & Reverse BMI Calculator: Find Your Ideal Weight

The BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculator helps you determine your body mass index based on your height and weight. Our tool includes both a standard BMI calculator and a Reverse BMI Calculator to help you find your target weight for a specific BMI.

What is BMI?

BMI is a numerical value of your weight in relation to your height. It is a widely used method to estimate whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height. The formula is BMI = weight(kg) / height²(m).

What is a Reverse BMI Calculator?

While a standard BMI calculator tells you your current BMI based on your weight and height, a reverse BMI calculator works differently. It allows you to input your height and a target BMI value, then calculates the exact weight you would need to achieve that BMI. This is extremely useful for setting concrete weight loss or weight gain goals.

How to Use the Standard BMI Calculator:

  1. Select Calculator Type - Choose "Standard BMI Calculator" to calculate your BMI based on your current height and weight.
  2. Select Unit System - Choose between metric (cm, kg) and imperial (ft/in, lb) measurement systems.
  3. Enter Your Height - Input your height in centimeters or feet and inches.
  4. Enter Your Weight - Input your weight in kilograms or pounds.
  5. Optional Information - You can enter your age and gender for more personalized feedback.
  6. Calculate - Click the "Calculate BMI" button to see your results.
  7. Reset - Use the "Reset" button to clear all inputs and start over.

How to Use the Reverse BMI Calculator:

  1. Select Calculator Type - Choose "Reverse BMI Calculator" to find your target weight for a desired BMI.
  2. Select Unit System - Choose between metric (cm, kg) and imperial (ft/in, lb) measurement systems.
  3. Enter Your Height - Input your height in centimeters or feet and inches.
  4. Enter Target BMI - Specify your desired BMI value (default is 22.0, which is in the healthy range).
  5. Optional Information - You can enter your age and gender for more personalized feedback.
  6. Calculate - Click the "Calculate Target Weight" button to see what weight would give you the specified BMI.

How the Reverse BMI Calculator Works

The reverse BMI calculator uses this formula:

  • For metric units: Target Weight (kg) = Target BMI × (Height in meters)²
  • For imperial units: Target Weight (lbs) = (Target BMI × (Height in inches)²) ÷ 703

Understanding Your Results:

  • BMI Value - Your calculated BMI number.
  • BMI Category - Shows where your BMI falls in the standard categories:
    • Below 18.5: Underweight
    • 18.5 - 24.9: Normal weight
    • 25.0 - 29.9: Overweight
    • 30.0 - 34.9: Obesity (Class I)
    • 35.0 - 39.9: Obesity (Class II)
    • 40.0 and above: Obesity (Class III)
  • Healthy Weight Range - Shows the weight range that would give you a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 based on your height.
  • Target Weight - (For Reverse BMI) Shows the weight needed to achieve your target BMI based on your height.

Why Use a Reverse BMI Calculator?

A reverse BMI calculator is particularly useful when you want to set weight goals. Instead of just knowing your current BMI, you can determine exactly what weight you need to achieve to reach a specific BMI value. This is helpful for:

  • Setting realistic weight loss goals
  • Understanding what a "healthy weight" means for your specific height
  • Planning fitness and nutrition programs with clear targets
  • Tracking progress toward optimal health metrics

Benefits of Using a Reverse BMI Calculator

  • Set Clear Goals: Know exactly what weight to aim for to achieve a healthy BMI
  • Track Progress: Understand how far you are from your target weight
  • Health Planning: Develop more effective diet and exercise plans with a specific target in mind
  • Medical Guidance: Follow weight recommendations from healthcare providers more precisely

Common Uses for the Reverse BMI Calculator

People use our reverse BMI calculator for various reasons:

  • Finding their ideal weight for optimal health
  • Setting weight loss targets for fitness programs
  • Understanding weight ranges appropriate for their height
  • Planning weight management strategies with specific goals
  • Tracking progress toward weight milestones

Limitations of BMI to Consider

While BMI is a useful tool, it's important to understand its limitations:

  • BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat
  • Athletes may have higher BMIs due to muscle mass, not excess fat
  • BMI doesn't account for differences in body composition between individuals
  • Age, gender, ethnicity, and body fat distribution are not considered in BMI calculations

Important Notes About BMI:

  • BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. It doesn't measure body fat directly or account for muscle mass.
  • BMI calculations for children and teens should be age and gender-specific.
  • Athletes may have a high BMI due to increased muscle mass rather than body fat.
  • The Reverse BMI Calculator is particularly useful for setting weight goals or understanding what weight corresponds to a specific BMI value.
  • If your BMI is outside the "normal" range, consider consulting with a healthcare provider for a more comprehensive assessment.

For a comprehensive health assessment, consider using BMI alongside other measurements such as waist circumference, body fat percentage, and consultation with healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reverse BMI Calculations:

How accurate is the reverse BMI calculator?

The reverse BMI calculator provides an accurate weight target based on the standard BMI formula. However, like BMI itself, it doesn't account for factors like muscle mass, bone density, or body composition.

What's a good target BMI to aim for?

Most health organizations recommend a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 for optimal health. A target BMI of 22 is often considered ideal for many adults, though individual factors may vary.

Can I use the reverse BMI calculator for weight loss planning?

Yes, the reverse BMI calculator is an excellent tool for setting realistic weight loss goals. By knowing exactly what weight corresponds to your target BMI, you can create more effective weight loss plans.