The Reverse BMI Calculator will help you determine the desired weight for a given BMI and height. The tool can be applied to both men and women between the ages of 18 and 65 years. To calculate the required weight choose appropriate measurement units and specify the height and the BMI using the sliders or inserting the data in the calculator fields.
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used numerical value that assesses whether an individual has a healthy body weight relative to their height. Developed in the 19th century by the Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet, the BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). This simple ratio helps categorize individuals into weight status groups such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese.
While BMI does not directly measure body fat or muscle mass, it remains a popular screening tool due to its convenience, low cost, and ease of calculation. It is commonly used in clinical settings, public health research, and personal health evaluations to provide a general sense of an individual’s weight-related health risks.
BMI categories as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) are:
• Underweight. BMI less than 18.5
• Normal weight. BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight. BMI 25 to 29.9
• Obese. BMI 30 or greater
What is the Reverse BMI Calculator?
The Reverse BMI Calculator is an online tool designed to work in the opposite direction of a traditional BMI calculator. Instead of inputting weight and height to determine BMI, this tool allows users to select a target BMI value and their height in order to estimate the weight required to reach that specific BMI.
This calculator is particularly useful for individuals who are working toward a fitness or health goal and want to know what weight they should aim for to fall within a desired BMI category. For example, if a person is 5’7″ and wants to reach a BMI of 22, our calculator will compute the precise weight that corresponds to that target.
The tool is simple to use: users enter their height in either inches or centimeters, select a desired BMI value (within a realistic and safe range), and the tool outputs the ideal weight to achieve that BMI.
Who Should Use This Calculator?
The Reverse BMI Calculator can benefit a wide range of users, including:
• Individuals setting weight goals. Whether aiming to lose or gain weight, this tool helps define a realistic target weight tied to a specific BMI, providing clarity in planning diet and fitness strategies.
• Healthcare professionals. While not a diagnostic tool, it can be a quick reference for doctors, dietitians, and fitness coaches to estimate a healthy target weight for patients or clients.
• People recovering from illness or injury. Those needing to return to a healthier weight after a period of weight loss or gain can use the tool to set informed goals.
• Athletes and bodybuilders. Although BMI has limitations in muscular individuals, the calculator can still offer a general benchmark for those needing to monitor changes in body composition.
• Anyone curious about their ideal weight. It is also useful for general health awareness and self-monitoring.
It’s important to note that this calculator is a guideline tool, not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
Disadvantages and Limitations of BMI
While BMI is a popular and useful screening tool, it has several limitations:
• Doesn’t distinguish fat from muscle. Muscular individuals may be misclassified as overweight or obese despite low body fat.
• Ignores fat distribution. BMI doesn’t account for where fat is stored, which can affect health risks.
• Not personalized. It overlooks differences in age, sex, ethnicity, and body composition.
• Can be misleading. Especially in athletes, the elderly, or people with atypical body types.
For a more complete health picture, BMI should be used alongside other indicators like waist circumference, body fat percentage, and clinical assessments.
Related calculators
Check out our other health calculators such as Body Fat Calculator or Ideal Body Weight Calculator.
Disclaimer. Please remember that this calculator is only one of many ways to assess your weight. In case of any concerns about your weight, please consult your physician to address your specific situation.