How far are you from a healthy weight?
Enter your height and weight and see exactly how many pounds you are above or below the healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9, along with your WHO weight category and the weight targets for your height.
Your measurements
Your current weight in pounds.
Feet portion of your height.
Inches portion of your height.
Your weight status comes from BMI = 703 x weight (lbs) / height (in)², compared against the WHO healthy band of 18.5 to 24.9. Results update as you type.
What your result means
Where you sit on the BMI scale
BMI thresholds at your height
Weight boundaries for every category at your height
Each row translates a BMI category into a weight range at your height. The highlighted row is where your current weight falls.
| Category | BMI range | Weight at your height |
|---|
Weight status, explained
Understanding Your Weight Status
This calculator determines how your current weight compares to the healthy BMI range of 18.5-24.9 for your height. It tells you exactly how many pounds you are above or below the healthy range, providing a concrete target rather than an abstract BMI number.
Health Risks of Being Overweight
Carrying excess weight increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and stroke. Even modest weight loss of 5-10% of body weight can significantly reduce these risks and improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Health Risks of Being Underweight
Being underweight (BMI below 18.5) carries its own health risks including weakened immune function, nutrient deficiencies, osteoporosis, fertility issues, and muscle wasting. If you are significantly underweight, consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions and develop a healthy weight gain plan.
Setting Realistic Weight Goals
Rather than aiming for the exact middle of the healthy range, focus on reaching any weight within the range. A rate of 1-2 pounds per week is sustainable for weight loss. For weight gain, aim for 0.5-1 pound per week with emphasis on muscle through resistance training and increased protein intake.
Common questions
How many pounds overweight am I?
This calculator compares your current weight to the upper limit of the healthy BMI range (24.9) for your height. Any weight above this threshold is reported as pounds overweight. If you are within the healthy range, it shows how much margin you have.
Is being slightly overweight dangerous?
Being slightly overweight (BMI 25-27) carries modest health risks and some research suggests it may even be slightly protective in older adults. However, the risk increases significantly as BMI rises above 27-30. Focus on healthy habits and body composition rather than hitting an exact number.
Does muscle mass affect this calculation?
Yes, since this calculator uses BMI, it does not distinguish between muscle and fat. Muscular individuals may show as overweight despite having low body fat. If you are physically active and muscular, consider using body fat percentage as a more accurate health indicator.
How fast can I safely lose weight?
A safe rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week, achieved through a daily deficit of 500-1,000 calories. Faster weight loss often involves muscle loss and is harder to maintain. Very obese individuals may safely lose faster initially under medical supervision.
This calculator is a screening tool based on BMI, not a medical diagnosis. BMI does not measure body fat directly and can misclassify athletes, older adults and people with unusual body compositions. Do not use it to make medical decisions on your own: talk to a doctor or another qualified health professional about what your result means for you, especially before starting any diet, exercise program or weight-related treatment.