How Much Should I Weigh?

Are you actually overweight? Are you average? Or are you one of the select few who are considered slim for their height?

While many people consider themselves overweight, the truth is most people don’t even know what they should really weigh. Comparing the average weight for your body type is a much more accurate way of comparing yourself than to compare yourself to the “ideal image” that society tries to instill in you.

How much should you weigh? Read on to find out.

How Your Weight Range is Calculated

Your height is the most important factor for determining how much you should weigh. Your body’s frame also plays a significant role.

For example, if you’re a woman with a small frame with a height of 5’ 2”, your ideal weight would be around 105 lbs. On the other hand, if you’re 5’ 11” with a larger body build, your ideal weight would be around 160 lbs.

Keeping this in mind, here’s a chart of what you should weigh, organized by height. Choose the top or the bottom end of the range by your body frame and personal goals.

For Men
5’ 5” the ideal weight is between 125 lbs and 145 lbs
5’ 6” the ideal weight is between 130 lbs and 150 lbs
5’ 7” the ideal weight is between 132 lbs and 152 lbs
5’ 8” the ideal weight is between 134 lbs and 161 lbs
5’ 9” the ideal weight is between 138 lbs and 166 lbs
5’ 10” the ideal weight is between 142 lbs and 171 lbs
5’ 11” the ideal weight is between 146 lbs and 177 lbs
6’ the ideal weight is between 150 lbs and 179 lbs
6’ 1” the ideal weight is between 156 lbs and 184 lbs
6’ 2” the ideal weight is between 160 lbs and 190 lbs

For Women
5’ 2” the ideal weight is between 103 lbs and 129 lbs
5’ 3” the ideal weight is between 107 lbs and 133 lbs
5’ 4” the ideal weight is between 110 lbs and 138 lbs
5’ 5” the ideal weight is between 113 lbs and 143 lbs
5’ 6” the ideal weight is between 117 lbs and 145 lbs
5’ 7” the ideal weight is between 120 lbs and 151 lbs
5’ 8” the ideal weight is between 124 lbs and 155 lbs
5’ 9” the ideal weight is between 128 lbs and 159 lbs
5’ 10” the ideal weight is between 131 lbs and 165 lbs
5’ 11” the ideal weight is between 134 lbs and 169 lbs

Also note that average weight and height are different in different countries. These numbers were based on the US and European averages.

Using Body Mass Index (BMI) To Determine Ideal Weight

Although the guidelines used above were created by health professionals, the reality is that rough general guidelines often aren’t specific enough to measure if you’re really in ideal health.

That’s why Body Mass Index, or BMI, was invented. Your BMI takes into account your height and weight and gives you a number that you can use to determine if you’re overweight or not.

If you have a BMI of over 30, that means you’re obese. Between 25 and 29.9 then you’re above your recommended weight, but aren’t in health danger. Between 18.5 and 24.9 is recommended and anything below that is underweight.

To calculate your BMI, first convert your weight to kilograms and your height to meters.

Square your height in meters. For example, if you’re 1.7 meters, you’d multiple 1.7 * 1.7 for 2.89. Then take your weight in kilograms and divide it by this number. For example, if you weigh 75 kilograms, then divide 75 by 2.89 for 25.95.

If this calculation was too complex, then simply search on the internet for a BMI calculator. There are many free ones you can quickly find.

Using BMI is widely considered to be the most effective method of determining how much you should weigh. That said, let’s quickly touch on one more method.

Using Body Fat Percentage to Calculate Fitness

One caveat with the BMI method is that it doesn’t take into account high muscle density individuals. For example, Michael Jordan would be incredibly obese according to BMI, because he has so much muscle that the density creates more weight without taking into account his muscle density.

Instead of measuring by BMI or ideal weight charts, measuring your ideal weight with body fat percentage can be better if you’re athletic and already in shape.

Your body fat percentage is calculated by taking the weight of all the fat in your body, then dividing it by your weight, expressed in percentage form.

Ideally, men will have a BFP of between 6% (very athletic) to 25% (not athletic) and women a BFP of between 14% (very athletic) and 31% (not athletic.)

You now know three distinct methods for calculating how much you should weigh. For most people, simply looking at the chart provided for your ideal weight range will be enough. If you’re very health conscious and want to get a more specific measurement, use your Body Mass Index. Finally, for athletes use your body fat percentage instead to avoid the BMI muscle mass issue.

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