Skip to content 🎯 Reverse BMI Calculator
Find out your ideal weight based on your height and desired BMI. Great for setting realistic health goals.
If you’ve ever wondered exactly how much you need to weigh to reach your ideal BMI, this tool is for you. Whether you’re planning a fitness transformation, preparing for a medical procedure, or simply trying to improve your overall health, a Reverse BMI Calculator gives you the number you’re looking for—fast, accurate, and tailored to your height.
Table of Contents
What Is a Reverse BMI Calculator?
A Reverse BMI Calculator works the opposite way of a traditional BMI tool. Instead of calculating your BMI from your current weight and height, it helps you figure out what your goal weight should be based on your height and a desired BMI.
A Simple Example
Let’s say you’re 5 feet 6 inches tall and aiming for a BMI of 22. The calculator will show you the exact weight you need to be to reach that BMI. You can choose pounds or kilograms depending on your preference.
Why Use a Reverse BMI Calculator?
A lot of people know what their target BMI is, but they don’t always know the weight that corresponds to it. That’s where this tool makes things simple.
Key benefits:
- Helps set clear fitness or health goals
- Useful for weight loss, muscle gain, or medical prep
- Trusted by personal trainers and health professionals
- Keeps you motivated with specific, achievable targets
BMI Categories (Based on U.S. Health Guidelines)
| BMI Range | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obese |
These numbers are based on CDC standards and can help you set a realistic BMI goal for your journey.
How the Calculator Works
What You Input:
- Your height (in feet/inches or centimeters)
- Your target BMI
What You Get:
- Your goal weight to reach that BMI
Example:
If you’re 5 feet 8 inches tall and want to hit a BMI of 23, your target weight would be around 153 pounds.
Ideal BMI by Age (General Guidelines)
| Age Group | Ideal BMI Range |
|---|---|
| 18–24 years | 19–24 |
| 25–34 years | 20–25 |
| 35–44 years | 21–26 |
| 45–54 years | 22–27 |
| 55–64 years | 23–28 |
| 65+ years | 24–29 |
Keep in mind, these ranges are general. Your ideal BMI might vary based on health conditions, genetics, and body composition. Always speak with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Why BMI Still Matters in 2025
Even with advances in fitness tech and health tracking, BMI remains a common health benchmark in the U.S. It’s widely used by:
- Doctors and nurses
- Health insurance providers
- Nutritionists and fitness coaches
While BMI doesn’t account for muscle or fat distribution, it’s still a useful indicator when paired with other data like body fat percentage and activity level.
Who Should Use This Tool?
This Reverse BMI Calculator is especially helpful for:
- People starting a weight loss journey
- Those planning surgeries (many have BMI requirements)
- Fitness-focused individuals setting bulking or cutting goals
- Dietitians creating personalized calorie plans
What’s a Good BMI to Aim For?
Most health professionals recommend a BMI between 20 and 24.9 as the ideal range for adults. If you’re a high-performance athlete or bodybuilder, your ideal BMI may differ, and additional metrics like lean body mass should be considered.
Reverse BMI vs. Traditional BMI: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Traditional BMI Calculator | Reverse BMI Calculator |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs | Weight + Height | Height + Target BMI |
| Output | Your current BMI | Goal weight |
| Use Case | Check current status | Plan your transformation |
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How to Use the Reverse BMI Calculator (Step-by-Step)
- Enter your height – Choose feet/inches or centimeters.
- Select your target BMI – Pick a number from 15 to 40.
- Click calculate – Instantly see the weight you need to hit your goal.
- Use your result – Apply the number to build a meal plan, workout strategy, or discuss with your healthcare provider.
You can revisit the tool as often as you like—daily, weekly, or monthly—to track your progress.
Built to work fast, perform smoothly, and look great across all devices—from smartphones and tablets to desktops and smartwatches.
Science-Backed, Evidence-Based
All calculations in this tool align with official health sources like:
These provide the backbone for our calculations and ensure they’re medically relevant.
When to Consult a Doctor
While BMI is a useful indicator, it’s not the full picture. Speak to a healthcare professional if you:
- Have an existing health condition
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Are an athlete or bodybuilder
- Have experienced sudden weight changes
Your doctor can provide guidance based on your unique health profile.
FAQs
Can teens use this calculator?
No. This tool is designed for adults 18 and older. Children and teens require age-adjusted BMI tools.
What’s a healthy BMI for most adults?
A BMI between 20 and 24.9 is considered healthy for the general population.
Is this tool approved by doctors?
It’s not a certified medical device but follows CDC and WHO guidelines for BMI calculation.
Can I use this for weight gain or cutting?
Yes. This tool works for both—set a target BMI based on your goals, and use the result to guide your calorie and training plans.
Key Takeaways
- Reverse BMI Calculator tells you the ideal weight based on your height and target BMI.
- Perfect for goal setting in weight loss, fitness, or medical planning.
- Follows CDC, WHO, and NIH BMI standards.
- Useful for adults only (18+), not for teens or children.
- Helps with both bulking and cutting goals.
- Ideal BMI range for most adults: 20–24.9.
- Works across all devices — mobile, desktop, tablet.
- Meant for guidance, not medical diagnosis — consult a doctor if needed.
Muhammad Ahtsham is the founder of EatLike.Blog, where he shares real-world advice on clean eating, high-protein meals, and healthy weight loss. With hands-on experience in nutrition and food blogging, his recipes and tips are practical, tested, and made to help real people see results.
