Reverse BMI Calculator
Enter your height and target BMI to find the weight you'd need to achieve it. Useful for setting a weight goal based on a desired BMI category.
FAQs
What is reverse BMI?
Reverse BMI works backward from a target BMI to find the weight you'd need. Standard BMI calculation: BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m²). Reverse BMI: weight = BMI × height². Useful for setting weight goals based on the healthy BMI range (18.5-24.9).
What's the formula?
Imperial: weight (lb) = (BMI × height² in inches) / 703. Metric: weight (kg) = BMI × height² (m²). Example: 5'8" (68 in), target BMI 22 → weight = (22 × 68²) / 703 = 145 lbs.
What's a healthy BMI range?
Per WHO classifications: Underweight <18.5, Normal 18.5-24.9, Overweight 25-29.9, Obese 30+. Most healthy weight ranges target BMI 20-22 for athletic body composition or 22-24 for average. The WHO ranges apply to adults ages 20-65; children and elderly have different scales.
Is BMI accurate for muscular people?
Not always. BMI doesn't distinguish muscle from fat — heavily muscled people often score 'overweight' or 'obese' on BMI but have low body fat. For better accuracy with athletic build, consider body fat percentage, waist circumference, or waist-to-hip ratio in addition to BMI.
What weight is a BMI of 25 for my height?
BMI 25 represents the threshold between 'normal' and 'overweight.' For 5'0" (60 in): ~128 lbs. For 5'6" (66 in): ~155 lbs. For 6'0" (72 in): ~184 lbs. For 6'4" (76 in): ~205 lbs. Use the calculator above to find the exact weight for your height.
Should I aim for the low end or high end of normal BMI?
Neither extreme is necessarily optimal — research suggests BMI 22-25 has the lowest all-cause mortality risk for most adults. Going below 20 increases risk for nutritional deficiency, bone loss, and infection. Above 27 increases cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk. Consult a doctor for individualized targets.