How to Use the Ideal Weight & BMI Calculator
BMI (body mass index) is your weight divided by the square of your height, and it's the most widely used weight-screening measure in the world. Under standard U.S. thresholds, under 18.5 is underweight, 18.5-25 is normal, 25-30 is overweight, and 30 or above is obese. This calculator also estimates your ideal weight using BMI 22, a value linked to the lowest overall disease risk in population studies.
BMI is simple and intuitive, but it can't distinguish muscle from fat. Someone with a lot of muscle mass can score a high BMI while having normal or low body fat, while someone with low muscle mass — "skinny fat" — can have a normal BMI with a high body fat percentage. So it's best used as a general reference, with a body composition scan for a more precise picture.
Check the FAQ below for how ideal weight is calculated and how to use your BMI. This result is not a medical diagnosis, and your ideal weight range can vary based on your individual health, so consult a professional for a personalized weight plan if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tool multiplies your height in meters squared by a BMI of 22, the value linked to the lowest overall disease risk in population studies. It applies the same formula regardless of sex.
BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, so treat it as a reference indicator. Athletes with high muscle mass can have a high BMI with normal body fat, so consider a body composition test too.