What is a reverse BMI calculator?

A reverse BMI calculator works backwards from the standard BMI formula. Instead of entering height and weight to get BMI, you enter your height and a target BMI — and it tells you what weight you need to reach that BMI. It's useful for setting weight loss or gain goals based on a specific BMI target.

How do I use the reverse BMI calculator?

Enter your height and your desired BMI (for example, 22 for a mid-healthy-range target). The calculator instantly shows the weight you need to reach that BMI, plus the full weight range for each BMI category so you can see all your options.

Is the reverse BMI formula accurate?

Yes. It uses the exact same BMI formula in reverse: weight = BMI × height². The standard BMI formula is weight(kg) / height(m)², so solving for weight gives you weight = BMI × height(m)². The accuracy depends entirely on the BMI formula itself, which is well-established but does not account for muscle mass or body composition.

Reverse BMI Calculator — Find Your Goal Weight from a Target BMI

Enter your height and a target BMI. The calculator works backwards from the standard BMI formula to tell you exactly what weight you need to reach. Free, instant, no signup.

Calculate Your Goal Weight

Choose your height and target BMI. The reverse formula does the rest.

Height (cm) Target BMI

To reach BMI 22, your goal weight is:

68.1 kg

(150 lbs)

Full BMI Category Breakdown — Your Height

Category	BMI Range	Weight Range

Quick Scenarios — Select Your Target BMI

Click any card to instantly see the goal weight for that BMI target.

How the Reverse BMI Formula Works

The standard BMI formula is:

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m)

To reverse it and solve for weight, multiply both sides by height²:

Goal Weight = Target BMI × height² (m)

For example, if you're 170 cm (1.7 m) tall and want a BMI of 22: your goal weight = 22 × 1.7² = 22 × 2.89 = 63.6 kg (140 lbs).

Why Use a Reverse BMI Calculator?

Most people know their BMI number but don't know what to do with it. The reverse calculator gives you an actionable number — a specific weight to aim for. If your doctor says "get your BMI under 25," this tool tells you exactly how much you need to weigh to make that happen. No guessing, no vague goals.

Is BMI the Right Metric for Goal Setting?

BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body fat distribution. An athlete with 12% body fat can register as "overweight" on the BMI scale. For a more complete picture, pair your reverse BMI goal with a body fat percentage estimate or a skinfold measurement. The reverse BMI gives you a starting target — body composition tools help you refine it.

What BMI Should You Aim For?

The World Health Organization classifies BMI 18.5–24.9 as "normal weight." Most health organizations recommend aiming for the middle of that range — around 21–23 — rather than the edges. Here's why: if you aim for BMI 24.9, a small weight fluctuation pushes you into the overweight category. A mid-range target of 22 gives you a buffer in both directions.