Enter your height, current weight, and a target BMI to see exactly how many pounds to gain or lose to reach it.
This tool uses the standard BMI formula (weight in pounds × 703, divided by height in inches squared) solved in reverse: it takes your target BMI and height to find the exact weight that would produce that BMI, then compares it to your current weight.
Height: ft in
Current weight (lb):
Target BMI:
How the Target Weight Is Calculated
This tool uses the standard BMI formula (weight in pounds × 703, divided by height in inches squared) solved in reverse: it takes your target BMI and height to find the exact weight that would produce that BMI, then compares it to your current weight.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your height in feet and inches.
- Enter your current weight in pounds.
- Enter the BMI you want to reach (18.5–24.9 is the commonly used “Normal” range).
- Click Calculate to see your target weight and how many pounds that means gaining or losing.
BMI is a simple screening measure and doesn’t account for muscle mass, frame size, or body composition; it’s a starting point for a conversation with a healthcare provider, not a diagnosis.
The Formula and a Worked Example
BMI (imperial) = weight in pounds × 703 ÷ height in inches². Solving for weight gives the goal weight: goal weight = target BMI × height² ÷ 703.
Example: Someone 5 ft 9 in tall (69 inches) weighs 180 lb. Their BMI is 180 × 703 ÷ 4,761 ≈ 26.6. For a target BMI of 22, the goal weight is 22 × 4,761 ÷ 703 ≈ 149 lb, a difference of about 31 lb.
Limits of BMI
BMI is a screening number, not a diagnosis. It does not separate muscle from fat, and it ignores age, sex, and body shape. The commonly used “healthy” range is a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, so a single target is best treated as a rough guide. Talk to a doctor or dietitian before setting a weight goal, especially if it involves a large change.
Did You Know?
- BMI was originally developed in the 1830s as a population-level statistical tool, not as an individual diagnostic measure.
- Two people with the same BMI can have very different body compositions depending on muscle mass and frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
What target BMI should I use?
A commonly cited "Normal" range is 18.5 to 24.9, but the right target depends on your individual health, frame, and goals; this is worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
Does this tool account for muscle mass?
No. BMI is based only on height and weight, so it can overestimate body fat in muscular people and underestimate it in others.
Which target BMI should I pick?
The standard healthy range is 18.5 to 24.9. Try a few values inside that range to see the weight span, and ask a health professional which suits you.
Is this tool medical advice?
No. It only solves the BMI formula in reverse. It cannot account for muscle mass, age, or medical conditions.