Skip to main content

    Healthy Weight Calculator

    Find your healthy weight range based on your height using the WHO BMI standard. See where you stand and get actionable guidance.

    Free to use. Runs in your browser.

    Enter your height to see the healthy weight range based on the NHS BMI healthy band of 18.5 to 24.9. Results show a weight range in kilograms and pounds.

    Enter your height in centimetres or feet and inches, then add your current weight to see where you sit within the healthy band. The range is a guide, not a target, so a position near the top or bottom can still be healthy depending on your build.

    Calculate Healthy Weight

    cm
    kg

    Methodology and sources

    Formula or method

    Inverts the WHO BMI formula to produce a weight range from height. Current BMI is calculated as weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. The healthy weight minimum is 18.5 multiplied by height (m) squared; the maximum is 24.9 multiplied by height (m) squared. The midpoint is the arithmetic mean of those two bounds. Imperial inputs are converted to metric before calculation (1 lb = 0.453592 kg; 1 foot = 30.48 cm, 1 inch = 2.54 cm) and results are converted back for display.

    Basis and assumptions

    • WHO BMI thresholds used: underweight below 18.5, healthy 18.5 to 24.9, overweight 25 to 29.9, obese 30 and above.
    • The same thresholds are applied regardless of age. The FAQ notes that older adults (65+) may have an optimal BMI of 23 to 27, but the calculator does not adjust the range by age.
    • The same BMI thresholds are applied regardless of gender. The FAQ notes that body composition differs between sexes, but the range is not adjusted.
    • Standard WHO thresholds were derived primarily from European populations. Higher cardiovascular risk at lower BMI for South Asian, East Asian, and other ethnic groups is not reflected in the calculator output.
    • All calculation logic runs entirely in the browser. No data is transmitted to any server.
    • Height and weight inputs are accepted in metric (cm, kg) or imperial (ft/in, lbs) with metric used as the internal calculation basis.

    Key handling decisions

    • The midpoint of the healthy range ((18.5 + 24.9) / 2 * height^2) is labelled 'Midpoint', not 'ideal weight', to avoid implying a single target.
    • Age and gender are collected as inputs but are not used in the BMI calculation or range bounds; they are present in the UI but do not alter the output.
    • Difference from midpoint is displayed to orient the user within the range, not as a weight-loss target.
    • BMI is rounded to one decimal place; weight bounds are rounded to the nearest whole number in the display unit.

    What this tool does not decide

    • Whether your weight is appropriate for your individual health status. A GP or registered dietitian can consider blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1c, waist circumference, muscle mass, and medical history.
    • Whether you should lose or gain weight, or by how much. A qualified healthcare professional (NHS GP, registered dietitian, or equivalent) should guide any weight-management plan.
    • Body fat percentage, which is a more direct measure of adiposity than BMI. A body fat measurement (DEXA scan, skinfold calipers) requires clinical or sports-science assessment.
    • Ethnicity-adjusted thresholds. Some public health bodies recommend lower BMI cutoffs for South Asian, East Asian, and other populations. Your GP can apply the appropriate threshold for your background.
    • Suitability of any specific diet, exercise programme, or supplement. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or exercise routine.

    Sources

    Last checked: 2026-06-17

    What Does "Healthy Weight" Actually Mean?

    "Healthy weight" isn't a single number, it's a range. For any given height, there's a span of roughly 15 to 20 kg where your risk of weight-related disease is lowest. This calculator finds that range using the WHO BMI standard of 18.5 to 24.9.

    But here's the important caveat: a number on a scale doesn't tell the full story. A 90 kg rugby player with 12% body fat and a 90 kg sedentary person with 35% body fat have the same weight but very different health profiles. BMI-based "healthy weight" is a useful screening tool, not a definitive diagnosis.

    Use this calculator as a starting point. Combine it with waist circumference, body fat percentage, and how you actually feel and perform for a more complete picture.

    Healthy Weight Ranges by Height

    HeightHealthy Range (kg)Healthy Range (lbs)Midpoint
    155 cm / 5'1"44 to 60 kg98 to 132 lbs52 kg / 115 lbs
    163 cm / 5'4"49 to 66 kg108 to 146 lbs58 kg / 127 lbs
    170 cm / 5'7"53 to 72 kg118 to 159 lbs63 kg / 138 lbs
    178 cm / 5'10"59 to 79 kg129 to 174 lbs69 kg / 152 lbs
    183 cm / 6'0"62 to 83 kg137 to 184 lbs73 kg / 160 lbs
    190 cm / 6'3"67 to 90 kg147 to 198 lbs78 kg / 173 lbs

    What this means for you: Notice how wide the range is, for someone 170 cm tall, the healthy range spans nearly 20 kg. Where you fall within that range depends on muscle mass, frame size, and genetics. Someone with a large frame and good muscle mass will naturally sit near the top. Don't fixate on the midpoint.

    When BMI Gets It Wrong

    Athletes and Muscular People

    BMI doesn't distinguish muscle from fat. A muscular person with low body fat can register as "overweight" by BMI standards. If you strength train regularly, check your body fat percentage instead, it's a better measure.

    Older Adults

    Some research suggests a BMI of 23 to 27 may be optimal for adults over 65. Carrying slightly more weight provides reserves during illness and may protect against frailty. The standard 18.5 to 24.9 range may be too restrictive for this group.

    Different Ethnicities

    WHO BMI thresholds were developed primarily from European populations. South Asian, Chinese, and Japanese populations may have higher health risks at lower BMIs. Some countries use adjusted thresholds (e.g., overweight at BMI 23 instead of 25).

    "Skinny Fat" Individuals

    A person with a normal BMI but high body fat and low muscle mass (sometimes called "normal weight obesity") has elevated metabolic risk despite looking thin. BMI misses this entirely. Check your waist-to-hip ratio for a better picture.

    Better Metrics to Use Alongside BMI

    MetricWhat It MeasuresHealthy Range
    Waist circumferenceAbdominal fat (visceral fat risk)Men: under 94 cm / Women: under 80 cm
    Waist-to-hip ratioFat distribution patternMen: under 0.90 / Women: under 0.85
    Body fat percentageTotal fat vs lean massMen: 10-20% / Women: 18-28%
    Blood pressureCardiovascular healthUnder 120/80 mmHg

    No single number tells the full story. A healthy weight on the scale plus a healthy waist circumference is a much stronger indicator than either alone. If your BMI is borderline, check your waist measurement, it's a better predictor of heart disease and diabetes risk.

    Related Health Tools

    BMI CalculatorCalculate your body mass indexIdeal WeightCompare 4 ideal weight formulasBody Fat CalculatorEstimate your body fat percentageWaist-to-Hip RatioAssess fat distributionTDEE CalculatorFind your daily calorie needsWeight LossPlan a safe calorie deficit

    How to use this tool

    1

    Choose metric or imperial units, then enter your age and gender

    2

    Input your height and current weight

    3

    Click 'Calculate' to see your healthy weight range and status

    Common uses

    • Finding your healthy weight range for your height
    • Setting realistic weight goals
    • Understanding where you fall on the BMI scale
    • Tracking progress toward a healthy weight
    • Comparing your weight to WHO guidelines

    Share this tool

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How is healthy weight calculated?
    Healthy weight is based on the WHO BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9. For your height, this calculator finds the weight range that falls within that healthy BMI window, giving you a specific range in kg or lbs.
    Is BMI the best measure of healthy weight?
    BMI is a useful screening tool but doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body fat distribution. A muscular person might register as 'overweight' by BMI while having excellent health markers. Use it as a starting point, not a definitive answer.
    What if I'm outside the healthy range?
    Being slightly outside the range isn't necessarily concerning. If you're a few kilos over and active with good blood work, you're probably fine. Consult a GP who can consider your full health picture, blood pressure, cholesterol, fitness level, and waist circumference.
    Does healthy weight differ by gender?
    The BMI-based weight range uses the same formula for both genders. However, body composition differs, women naturally carry more body fat (20 to 25% vs 10 to 20% for men), so two people with the same BMI can have very different health profiles.
    How does age affect healthy weight?
    Research suggests a slightly higher BMI (23 to 27) may be optimal for adults over 65. Carrying a bit more weight provides reserves during illness and protects against frailty. The standard 18.5 to 24.9 range may be too restrictive for older adults.
    Should I aim for the midpoint of the healthy range?
    Not necessarily. The midpoint is a reference, not a target. Where you sit within the range depends on muscle mass, frame size, and genetics. Someone with a larger frame and good muscle mass will naturally sit near the top, and that's perfectly healthy.
    How does muscle mass affect healthy weight calculations?
    Muscle is denser than fat, so muscular people weigh more for their height. BMI-based ranges can misclassify athletes and regular strength trainers as overweight. If you train regularly, check your body fat percentage or waist-to-hip ratio for a better picture.
    Is the healthy weight range different for different ethnicities?
    Yes. WHO thresholds were developed mainly from European populations. South Asian, Chinese, and Japanese populations may face higher health risks at lower BMIs. Some countries use adjusted thresholds, overweight at BMI 23 instead of 25 for Asian populations.
    What's the difference between healthy weight and ideal weight?
    Healthy weight is a range based on BMI and disease risk. Ideal weight formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi) calculate a single target number based on height and frame size. Neither accounts for body composition, they're both estimates, not prescriptions.
    How much weight can I safely lose per week?
    Most health organisations recommend 0.5 to 1 kg (1 to 2 lbs) per week, which requires a daily deficit of 500 to 1,000 kcal. Faster loss tends to sacrifice muscle mass, trigger metabolic adaptation, and is harder to maintain long-term.
    Can my healthy weight change over time?
    Your height doesn't change much after your mid-20s, so the BMI-based range stays roughly constant. But your optimal weight within that range can shift based on muscle mass, activity level, and life stage.
    What other measurements should I consider besides weight?
    Waist circumference (over 102 cm for men, 88 cm for women = elevated risk), waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, and blood markers (blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1c) all give a more complete picture than the scale alone.

    Results are for general informational purposes only and should be checked before use. They are not professional advice. See our Disclaimer and Terms of Service.