Target Weight by BMI Calculator
Calculate the body weight that corresponds to any BMI target for your height. Useful for setting medically-informed weight goals.
How to use this tool
- Enter height and target bmi in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your target weight and the full breakdown beneath it.
Educational estimate — not medical advice. Consult a clinician.
This calculator inverts the BMI formula: Weight = BMI × Height (m)². Enter your height and a target BMI to find the corresponding weight. A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is the WHO healthy range for most adults.
Formula
Target weight (kg) = Target BMI (kg/m2) × Height (m)2
Target weight (lbs) = Target weight (kg) × 2.2046
Height must be converted from cm to m before squaring.
How it works
This calculator inverts the BMI formula to find the body weight that would produce a specific BMI at a given height, allowing users to translate a BMI target into a concrete weight goal in kilograms and pounds. It simply rearranges BMI = weight ÷ height2 to weight = BMI × height2, then converts to pounds using the exact factor 2.2046. The result is only as meaningful as the target BMI chosen; clinicians typically recommend a target within the healthy BMI range of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, but individual health goals should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as BMI does not account for body composition, muscle mass, age, or sex-specific differences.
Worked example
Worked example
- Inputs: height = 170 cm (= 1.70 m), target BMI = 22.0 kg/m2.
- Height squared = 1.702 = 2.89 m2.
- Target weight = 22.0 × 2.89 = 63.58 kg.
- In pounds: 63.58 × 2.2046 = 140.17 lbs.
Target weight = 63.58 kg (140.17 lbs) at a BMI of 22.0 kg/m².
Key terms
- Target BMI
- A BMI value chosen as a weight-management goal; the healthy range (18.5–24.9 kg/m²) is a common reference, but individual targets should be agreed with a clinician.
- BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Weight in kg divided by height in m squared; a population-level screening tool for underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.
- BMI inversion
- Rearranging the BMI formula to solve for weight given a known height and desired BMI, yielding a concrete weight goal.
- Healthy BMI range
- Defined as 18.5–24.9 kg/m² for most adults by the WHO; corresponds to statistically lower risk of weight-related metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.
- Pound-kilogram conversion
- 1 kg = 2.2046 lbs; the exact factor used to convert target weight from metric to imperial units.
Frequently asked questions
- What BMI target should I use?
- The WHO healthy range is 18.5–24.9. A target of 22–23 represents the mid-healthy range. However, optimal BMI varies by age, sex, and ethnicity; consult a clinician for personalised targets.
- Does BMI account for muscle vs fat?
- No. BMI is purely weight divided by height squared and does not distinguish muscle from fat. A muscular athlete may have a BMI in the overweight range without excess fat.