How Much Should I Weigh?
For adults, BMI 18.5 to 24.9 is commonly used as a weight-screening range. The table below shows the corresponding range for common UK adult heights in kilograms, stone and pounds. No calculation is needed - find your height row and read the range directly.
BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. It is a population-level screening tool, not a personal diagnosis. Your GP uses BMI alongside other factors including waist circumference, blood pressure, and medical history when assessing your overall health picture.
If you are trying to understand a change in your weight, a single reading is less useful than a consistent trend. Our BMI calculator gives a height-based result, while our guide to the best smart scales for weight loss explains how to track progress and why body-fat readings should be treated as estimates.
BMI Screening Range by Height
Screening range shown = BMI 18.5 to 24.9. Values are rounded to one decimal place.
| Height | Min (kg) | Max (kg) | Min (stone) | Max (stone) | Min (lbs) | Max (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5ft 0in (152cm) | 42.7 | 57.5 | 6st 10lb | 9st 1lb | 94.1 | 126.8 |
| 5ft 2in (157cm) | 45.6 | 61.4 | 7st 3lb | 9st 9lb | 100.5 | 135.4 |
| 5ft 4in (163cm) | 49.2 | 66.2 | 7st 10lb | 10st 6lb | 108.5 | 145.9 |
| 5ft 6in (168cm) UK avg | 52.2 | 70.3 | 8st 3lb | 11st 1lb | 115.1 | 155.0 |
| 5ft 8in (173cm) | 55.4 | 74.5 | 8st 10lb | 11st 10lb | 122.1 | 164.2 |
| 5ft 10in (178cm) | 58.6 | 78.9 | 9st 3lb | 12st 6lb | 129.2 | 173.9 |
| 6ft 0in (183cm) | 62.0 | 83.4 | 9st 11lb | 13st 2lb | 136.7 | 183.9 |
| 6ft 2in (188cm) | 65.4 | 88.0 | 10st 4lb | 13st 12lb | 144.2 | 194.0 |
BMI Calculation
BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kg by height in metres squared.
Example: 70 kg ÷ (1.70m × 1.70m) = 24.2 (within the 18.5 to 24.9 screening range).
Quick BMI Categories
- Lower screening range: below 18.5
- Common screening range: 18.5 – 24.9
- Higher screening range: 25.0 – 29.9
- Higher screening range: 30.0 or above
Medical Context & Limitations
BMI does not measure body fat directly. A very muscular person may have a high BMI while having a low body fat percentage. Older adults may carry more fat and less muscle than a younger adult at the same reading.
BMI thresholds can differ for some ethnic groups because health risks may occur at a lower BMI. A GP can help interpret the result alongside your background and other health factors.
Muhammad Usman
Written by Muhammad Usman, the hands-on weighing and scales specialist behind StoneToKg. This is general information, not medical advice. Your GP is the best person to discuss your individual health situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I weigh for my height?
Use the height-based BMI screening table below as a starting point. Find your height row and read the range corresponding to BMI 18.5 to 24.9. At 5ft 6in the range is 52.2 kg to 70.3 kg (8 stone 3 lb to 11 stone 1 lb).
What is a healthy BMI?
For adults, BMI 18.5 to 24.9 is commonly used as a screening range. Below 18.5, 25.0 to 29.9, and 30 or above are grouped into different BMI ranges, but BMI is not a diagnosis and does not capture every aspect of health.
What is the ideal weight for a woman?
A BMI screening range depends on height. At 5ft 4in the range is 49.2 kg to 66.2 kg (7 stone 10 lb to 10 stone 6 lb). At 5ft 6in it is 52.2 kg to 70.3 kg (8 stone 3 lb to 11 stone 1 lb). Use the table below for your height.
What is the healthy weight for a man?
The same BMI formula and screening ranges are shown for adults of any sex. At 5ft 10in the range is 58.6 kg to 78.9 kg (9 stone 3 lb to 12 stone 6 lb). At 6ft 0in it is 62.0 kg to 83.4 kg (9 stone 11 lb to 13 stone 2 lb).
What weight should I be at 5ft 6in?
At 5ft 6in, the BMI screening range of 18.5 to 24.9 corresponds to 52.2 kg to 70.3 kg, which is 8 stone 3 pounds to 11 stone 1 pound, or 115.1 lbs to 155.0 lbs.
Is Your Weight Healthy?
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