FitCalc

BMI Calculator — Imperial (ft, in, lb)

BMI in feet, inches and pounds, with category and a healthy weight range in pounds.

Quick answer: Enter height in feet and inches and weight in pounds; the calculator converts to metric internally. At 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) the healthy range is about 125–168 lb, which corresponds to BMI 18.5–24.9.

ft
in
lb
Your BMI
23.6
Category
Normal weight
BMI prime
0.95
Your BMI ÷ 25 (healthy upper limit)
Healthy weight range
125–169 lb
For your height at BMI 18.5–24.9
Height5 ft 9.0 in
Weight160.0 lb
BMI23.6
CategoryNormal weight

Who BMI bands (adults)

BMICategory
Below 18.5Underweight
18.5 – 24.9Normal weight
25.0 – 29.9Overweight
30.0 – 34.9Obesity class I
35.0 – 39.9Obesity class II
40.0 and aboveObesity class III

BMI is a screening measure, not a diagnosis. It does not distinguish muscle from fat, and athletes with high muscle mass can read as overweight. Children and teenagers are assessed against age- and sex-specific percentile charts, not these adult bands. Talk to a healthcare professional about your own health.

Core facts
InputFeet, inches and pounds
Internal formula703 × lb ÷ in²
Healthy band18.5 – 24.9
OutputBMI, category, healthy range in lb

What is BMI Calculator (Imperial)?

The imperial BMI formula multiplies weight in pounds by 703 and divides by height in inches squared. This calculator takes feet and inches separately for convenience, converts internally and applies the same WHO bands as the metric version. Imperial inputs are the norm in the United States, where most public health guidance still reports BMI this way.

Common Uses for BMI Calculator (Imperial)

  • Check BMI without converting pounds to kilograms
  • Translate the healthy BMI band into a pounds target
  • Follow along with US clinical guidance that uses imperial units

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the imperial BMI formula?
BMI = 703 × weight (lb) ÷ height (in)². The 703 factor converts the result from pound-per-square-inch into the metric-equivalent scale so the classification bands stay the same.
How many pounds is a healthy weight at 5'9"?
About 125–168 lb at BMI 18.5–24.9. The exact range depends on your precise height, which the calculator uses.
Why does my BMI match the metric calculator?
Because BMI is the same ratio regardless of units. If your height and weight are correct, both versions return the identical number.

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