🧰 ToolPicoAll Tools →

BMI Calculator

Enter your height and weight in pounds and feet/inches to find your Body Mass Index (BMI), see your CDC/WHO category on a color-coded gauge, and get your healthy weight range and daily calorie (TDEE) needs — all in one tool, with a metric toggle if you need it.

Normal BMI 18.5–24.9 Formula lb × 703 ÷ in² CDC + WHO categories Updated: Jul 21, 2026
ft
in
lb
BMI = weight (lb) × 703 ÷ height (in)². Use whole numbers for feet/inches.
Reverse BMI: what should I weigh for a target BMI?
Enter a target BMI
cm
kg
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². Results below are still shown in pounds for easy reference.
Reverse BMI: what should I weigh for a target BMI?
Enter a target BMI
Quick answer In US units, BMI = weight (lb) × 703 ÷ height (in)². For example, a 176 lb adult who is 5'9" (69 in) has a BMI of 176 × 703 ÷ 69² = 26.0. On the CDC/WHO scale, under 18.5 is underweight, 18.5–24.9 is normal, 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese. Enter your own height and weight above to see your category, healthy weight range, and BMI Prime.
18.5–24.9Normal BMI range
703lb-to-BMI constant
CDC + WHOCategory standard
lb, ft/inDefault units (US)
⚠️ Health note: BMI is a screening tool based on weight and height only — it does not directly measure body fat and does not account for muscle mass, bone density, age, or sex. Results are for informational purposes only and are not medical advice. For personalized guidance on weight, nutrition, or health, please consult a doctor or registered dietitian.
⚖ BMI Calculator — ToolPico ↗

What is BMI, and how is it calculated?

A complete guide — with the US (pounds/inches) formula, CDC/WHO categories, ideal weight, and calorie needs.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple screening measure that compares your weight to your height to estimate whether you fall in a healthy weight range. In US units it's calculated as BMI = weight (lb) × 703 ÷ height (in)²; in metric units it's simply kg ÷ m² — both give the same result. BMI is widely used in health screenings because it only requires a scale and a tape measure, but it is a starting point, not a full diagnosis: it does not directly measure body fat or account for muscle mass.

How do you calculate BMI in pounds and inches?

Quick answerBMI = weight (lb) × 703 ÷ height (in)². First convert your height to inches (5'9" = 5×12+9 = 69 in), square it (69² = 4,761), multiply your weight by 703, then divide. For a 176 lb, 5'9" adult: 176 × 703 ÷ 4,761 = 26.0, which falls in the 25–29.9 "overweight" range.
  • Height in inches — feet × 12 + inches: 5'9" = 69 in.
  • Height squared — 69 × 69 = 4,761 in².
  • BMI — weight × 703 ÷ height²: 176 × 703 ÷ 4,761 = 26.0.
  • Interpretation — match the value against the CDC/WHO table below.

What should my BMI be? CDC/WHO categories

Quick answerThe CDC and WHO consider 18.5–24.9 a normal (healthy) BMI for most adults. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25–29.9 is overweight, 30–34.9 is obesity class 1, 35–39.9 is obesity class 2, and 40+ is severe obesity (class 3). Your healthy weight in pounds depends on your height — for example, about 118–159 lb for someone 5'7" tall.

If you're planning to lose or gain weight, start by setting a target inside this healthy range and then build a daily calorie plan around it. See the Daily calorie needs mini calculator below for your BMR and TDEE.

How do you find your ideal weight?

Quick answerThe most reliable benchmark is the weight range matching a BMI of 18.5–24.9 for your height. In addition, classic clinical formulas — Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi — each estimate a single "ideal weight" figure in pounds based on height and sex. The Ideal weight calculator below shows both at once.

Why do body fat percentage and daily calories matter too?

Quick answerBecause BMI can't tell muscle from fat, body fat percentage gives a fuller picture for athletes or older adults. For weight management, you also need TDEE (total daily energy expenditure): BMR × activity multiplier. Eating roughly 500 kcal below TDEE targets about 1 lb of loss per week; 500 above targets about 1 lb of gain.

BMI by height and weight (examples)

Common height/weight combinations and their BMI and category. Healthy weight falls in the BMI 18.5–24.9 range. Use the calculator above for your exact numbers.

Example BMI calculations (adult, US units)
HeightWeightBMICategory
5'3" (63 in)121 lb21.4Normal
5'5" (65 in)132 lb22.0Normal
5'7" (67 in)154 lb24.1Normal
5'9" (69 in)176 lb26.0Overweight
5'11" (71 in)198 lb27.6Overweight
5'9" (69 in)209 lb30.9Obese (Class 1)

The same weight means a higher BMI on a shorter frame, which is why healthy weight depends on height.

Popular calculations

Ideal weight & daily calories

Two related calculators: your ideal weight range by height, and how many calories you should eat per day (BMR & TDEE).

🎯Ideal weight calculator
Healthy BMI weight range plus the average of the Devine, Robinson, Miller & Hamwi formulas, in pounds.
🔥Daily calorie needs (TDEE)
Estimate your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and total daily calorie needs (Mifflin-St Jeor).
💪Body fat % (U.S. Navy method)
Estimate body fat percentage from neck, waist (and hip) circumference — no scale needed.

Reference tables & practical facts

Citable figures: CDC/WHO BMI categories, healthy weight by height, and activity multipliers for calorie needs. These are evergreen, standard values.

Adult BMI categories (CDC / WHO)
BMI (kg/m²)Category
Below 18.5Underweight
18.5 – 24.9Normal (healthy weight)
25.0 – 29.9Overweight
30.0 – 34.9Obese — Class 1
35.0 – 39.9Obese — Class 2
40.0 and aboveSevere obesity — Class 3

This scale is for adults. Children and teens are assessed with age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles instead.

Healthy weight range by height (BMI 18.5–24.9)
HeightHealthy weight rangeBMI 22 (midpoint)
5'1" (61 in)98 – 132 lb116 lb
5'3" (63 in)104 – 141 lb124 lb
5'5" (65 in)111 – 150 lb132 lb
5'7" (67 in)118 – 159 lb140 lb
5'9" (69 in)125 – 169 lb149 lb
5'11" (71 in)133 – 179 lb158 lb
6'1" (73 in)140 – 189 lb167 lb

Values are rounded; use the "Ideal weight calculator" above for your exact range.

Activity multipliers for TDEE (multiplied by BMR)
Activity levelDescriptionMultiplier
SedentaryDesk job, little or no exercise1.2
LightLight exercise 1–3 days/week1.375
ModerateModerate exercise 3–5 days/week1.55
ActiveHard exercise 6–7 days/week1.725
Very activeVery hard exercise or physical job1.9

TDEE = BMR × multiplier. BMR is estimated with the Mifflin-St Jeor equation.

Add this calculator to your site (embed code)

Embed the BMI calculator on your own website for free. Copy the code below into your HTML — the tool runs in a simplified view and links back to this page as its source.

The embedded tool has a fixed layout; you can adjust the height value to fit your site. No ads or personal data, runs entirely client-side.

BMI & weight terms glossary

Short definitions of the core terms used in BMI, ideal weight, and calorie calculations.

BMI (Body Mass Index)Weight relative to height squared: lb×703÷in² (or kg/m²). A quick screening measure, not a diagnosis.
Healthy weight rangeThe span of weight, for a given height, that falls in the normal BMI category (18.5–24.9).
Ideal weightA single target weight estimated from height (and often sex) using formulas like Devine or Hamwi.
BMI PrimeYour BMI divided by 25 (the upper healthy limit). 1.00 is the boundary; 1.20 means 20% above normal.
OverweightCDC/WHO term for a BMI of 25.0–29.9.
ObesityA BMI of 30 or above, split into Class 1 (30–34.9), Class 2 (35–39.9), and Class 3 (40+).
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)Calories your body burns at complete rest. Estimated here with the Mifflin-St Jeor equation.
TDEETotal Daily Energy Expenditure: BMR × activity multiplier. The basis for a calorie target.
Calorie deficitEating below your TDEE to lose weight; roughly 500 kcal/day below TDEE targets about 1 lb/week.
Devine formulaA classic 1974 clinical formula estimating ideal body weight from height and sex.

In-depth guides

Detailed answers to the most common BMI and weight questions.

My BMI came back at 26 — what does that mean?

A BMI of 26.0 falls in the CDC/WHO 25–29.9 "overweight" range — just above the normal cutoff of 24.9. For example, at 5'9" and 176 lb, your healthy weight range is roughly 125–169 lb, so reaching the top of that range takes losing about 7 lb.

This is a modest, gradual goal: losing about 1 lb a week generally means eating roughly 500 kcal a day below your TDEE. Use the "Daily calorie needs" calculator above to find your own numbers, and check the "Ideal weight" tool for a target based on classic formulas.

Is BMI or body fat percentage more accurate?

BMI is fast and practical but can't tell muscle from fat. A muscular athlete can have a high BMI and appear misleadingly "overweight," while someone with low muscle mass can have a "normal" BMI despite a higher body fat percentage ("skinny-fat").

Body fat percentage gives a fuller picture. It's commonly estimated with skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance scales, or (most accurately) a DEXA scan. The best approach is to weigh BMI alongside body fat percentage and waist measurement, and consult a doctor for health decisions.

How many calories should I eat a day? Using TDEE

First, your BMR (basal metabolic rate) is estimated with the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, then multiplied by your activity level to get TDEE (total daily energy expenditure). Eating around your TDEE keeps your weight roughly stable.

To lose weight, subtract from TDEE: about 250 kcal/day ≈ 0.25 kg/week, about 500 kcal/day ≈ 1 lb/week. To gain weight, add calories the same way. For safety, most guidance suggests not going below roughly 1,200 kcal/day for women or 1,500 kcal/day for men without medical supervision — talk to a registered dietitian for a personalized plan.

Frequently asked questions

How is BMI calculated?
In US units, BMI equals your weight in pounds times 703, divided by your height in inches squared: BMI = (weight in lb × 703) ÷ (height in in)². For example, a 176 lb adult who is 5'9" (69 inches) has a BMI of 176 × 703 ÷ 69² = 123,728 ÷ 4,761 = 26.0. In metric units, the formula is simply kg ÷ m², which gives the same result.
What is a normal, healthy BMI range?
According to the CDC and WHO, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a healthy weight for most adults. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is obese. Healthy weight in pounds depends on height — for example, roughly 118–159 lb for someone 5'7" tall.
What is the BMI chart or BMI table?
A BMI chart lists the standard CDC/WHO weight categories: under 18.5 underweight, 18.5–24.9 normal, 25–29.9 overweight, 30–34.9 obesity class 1, 35–39.9 obesity class 2, 40+ severe obesity (class 3). See the full reference table in the "BMI categories" tab above.
What should my ideal weight be?
The most common benchmark is the weight range matching a BMI of 18.5–24.9 for your height. Clinical formulas such as Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi also estimate a single ideal weight in pounds from height and sex. The "Ideal weight calculator" above shows both at once.
How many calories should I eat per day?
First your BMR (Mifflin-St Jeor) is estimated, then multiplied by your activity level to get TDEE. Eating around TDEE maintains your weight; eating about 500 kcal below TDEE targets roughly 1 lb of loss per week, and 500 above targets roughly 1 lb of gain.
What is TDEE?
TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) is the total calories you burn daily: BMR plus movement, exercise, and digestion. TDEE = BMR × activity multiplier, ranging from 1.2 (sedentary) to 1.9 (very active). It's the standard starting point for a calorie target.
Is BMI always accurate? Does it account for muscle mass?
BMI is a fast, practical screening tool but does not distinguish muscle from fat. A muscular athlete can have a high BMI and appear "overweight" with low body fat, while an older adult with low muscle mass can have a "normal" BMI despite higher body fat. Pair BMI with waist measurement or body composition testing, and consult a doctor for health decisions.
What's the difference between BMI and body fat percentage?
BMI is a simple weight-to-height ratio that's easy to calculate but can't tell muscle from fat. Body fat percentage measures the actual proportion of your body that is fat tissue, typically estimated with skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance scales, or a DEXA scan — giving a more complete picture of body composition.
How do you estimate body fat percentage with the U.S. Navy method?
The U.S. Navy method estimates body fat percentage from a few tape-measure circumferences plus height: neck and waist for men, and neck, waist, and hips for women. It uses a logarithmic formula (Hodgdon & Beckett) that's quick to measure at home and is generally more accurate than BMI alone at estimating actual body fat — though it's still an estimate, not a clinical measurement like a DEXA scan. Try the Body fat % calculator above.
What weight gives a target BMI (reverse BMI)?
Rearrange the BMI formula: weight (lb) = target BMI × height (in)² ÷ 703. For example, for a BMI of 22 at 5'9" (69 in): 22 × 69² ÷ 703 ≈ 149 lb. The Reverse BMI field in the calculator above computes this instantly for any height and target BMI.

Methodology & sources

ToolPico's BMI Calculator is a free, independent tool. BMI is calculated with the standard formulas: weight (lb) × 703 ÷ height (in)² in US units, or kg ÷ m² in metric units, both classified using the CDC / WHO adult BMI categories (underweight, normal, overweight, obesity classes 1–3). Ideal weight is estimated with the healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) alongside the classic Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), Miller (1983), and Hamwi (1964) formulas. Daily calorie needs use the Mifflin-St Jeor basal metabolic rate equation multiplied by standard activity coefficients (1.2–1.9) to estimate TDEE. All calculations run instantly client-side (in your browser); no data is sent to a server.

Sources: CDC adult BMI classification · WHO BMI classification · Mifflin-St Jeor basal metabolic rate equation · classic ideal-body-weight formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi). These are evergreen, standard formulas that don't change year to year. Last updated: July 21, 2026. Results are for informational purposes only; they are not medical advice and do not replace evaluation by a doctor or registered dietitian.

🔗 Add this tool to your site

Copy the code below into your own site. The tool is free, always up to date, and runs entirely on your page. No sign-up required.

Preview →
Explore all ToolPico tools →
⚡ Built with ToolPico · toolpico.com