BMI Calculator
A quick body-mass-index check — and the healthy weight range for your height, which makes a sensible goal for the planner.
What BMI can and can't tell you
BMI (weight ÷ height²) is a population-level screening tool: under 18.5 is classed as underweight, 18.5–24.9 healthy, 25–29.9 overweight, and 30+ obesity. It says nothing about muscle, bone density, or where fat sits — athletes routinely score “overweight.” Use it as a starting point, not a diagnosis.
Found your goal weight?
Take the top of your healthy range and plug it into the Walking for Weight Loss Planner to see exactly how many weeks of walking gets you there.
Healthy weight range by height (BMI 18.5–24.9)
| Height | Healthy range (lb) | Healthy range (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 101–136 lb | 45.9–61.8 kg |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 108–145 lb | 48.9–65.8 kg |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 115–154 lb | 52.0–69.9 kg |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 122–164 lb | 55.2–74.3 kg |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 129–174 lb | 58.5–78.7 kg |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 136–184 lb | 61.9–83.3 kg |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 144–194 lb | 65.4–88.0 kg |
Ranges follow the WHO adult BMI classification. They are guidance for healthy adults, not individual medical advice — body composition and frame vary.
BMI and healthy weight, answered
What is a healthy BMI?
A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is classed as the healthy range for adults. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is obesity. BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.
What is a healthy weight for my height?
For a healthy BMI of 18.5–24.9: about 115–154 lb (52–70 kg) at 5'6", 129–174 lb (58–79 kg) at 5'10", and 136–184 lb (62–83 kg) at 6'0". See the full table on this page, or enter your height in the calculator for your exact range.
How accurate is BMI?
BMI is a population-level screening tool, not a diagnosis. It cannot distinguish muscle from fat, so muscular athletes often score 'overweight' while carrying little body fat, and it says nothing about where fat is stored — which matters for health risk. It is a useful starting point that a waist measurement and a doctor's assessment can refine.
How should I pick a goal weight for losing weight by walking?
A practical approach: take the top of the healthy BMI range for your height (BMI 24.9) as a first goal — it is usually the nearest healthy milestone. Then feed it into a walking plan: losing 0.5–1 lb per week through daily steps is a sustainable rate for most people.
Sources & methodology
- World Health Organization — Obesity and overweight fact sheet — the standard adult BMI classification (18.5–24.9 healthy, 25+ overweight, 30+ obesity).
- NIH / NHLBI — Calculate your body mass index — the reference BMI formula and categories used by this calculator.