Weight Loss Percentage Calculator
Percent of body weight lost is the number clinicians and studies use, because it compares people of different sizes. Enter your starting and current weight in pounds or kilograms.
Example: 200.0 down to 186.0, goal 170.0. Enter your numbers to replace it.
Example weight-loss percentage
7.0% of your starting weight lost
14.0 lost from 200.0
Math: (200.0 − 186.0) ÷ 200.0 × 100 = 7.0%
Goal: 170.0, a total loss of 15.0% of your starting weight. You are 46.7% of the way there, with 16.0 to go.
| Milestone | Weight | Total loss | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% lost | 190.0 | 10.0 | reached |
| 10% lost | 180.0 | 20.0 | 6.0 to go |
| 15% lost | 170.0 | 30.0 | 16.0 to go |
The formula is (starting weight − current weight) ÷ starting weight × 100. Going from 200.0 to 186.0 lb is 14.0 lb lost, which is 7.0% of the starting weight. With a goal of 170.0 lb, that is 46.7% of the way there.
Percentages are fairer than pounds when you compare progress. The same 10 lb is 4.0% of 250 lb but 7.1% of 140 lb. The CDC uses percentages for the same reason: it notes that even a modest loss, such as 5% of body weight, can improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar in people who are above a healthy weight.
How to calculate weight loss percentage by hand
- Subtract current weight from starting weight: 200.0 − 186.0 = 14.0.
- Divide by the starting weight: 14.0 ÷ 200.0 = 0.070.
- Multiply by 100: 7.0%.
The unit does not matter as long as both weights use the same one: 200.0 and 186.0 lb are 90.7 and 84.4 kg, and the percentage is the same.
5%, 10% and 15% milestones
| Starting weight | 5% lost | 10% lost | 15% lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 lb | 142.5 lb | 135.0 lb | 127.5 lb |
| 175 lb | 166.3 lb | 157.5 lb | 148.8 lb |
| 200 lb | 190.0 lb | 180.0 lb | 170.0 lb |
| 225 lb | 213.8 lb | 202.5 lb | 191.3 lb |
| 250 lb | 237.5 lb | 225.0 lb | 212.5 lb |
| 300 lb | 285.0 lb | 270.0 lb | 255.0 lb |
The 200 lb row matches the CDC's own example: 5% of 200 lb is 10 lb.
Percentage of your goal reached
Divide the weight lost so far by the total you plan to lose. From 200.0 to a goal of 170.0 is 30.0 lb in total; 14.0 lb lost is 46.7% of it. The calculator shows both numbers when you enter a goal. To estimate when you will get the rest of the way, use the weight loss timeline calculator.
What a healthy weekly rate looks like in percent
The CDC's 1 to 2 lb a week, as a share of body weight:
| Body weight | 1 lb a week | 2 lb a week |
|---|---|---|
| 150 lb | 0.7% | 1.3% |
| 200 lb | 0.5% | 1.0% |
| 250 lb | 0.4% | 0.8% |
| 300 lb | 0.3% | 0.7% |
Lighter people reach the same percentage with fewer pounds, so a slower pound-per-week rate is normal for them. For the calorie side of the rate, see the calorie deficit calculator.
Questions
What is a good weight loss percentage?
For people above a healthy weight, the CDC points out that a loss as modest as 5% of body weight can improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Larger losses are common goals, but the first 5% is the milestone the CDC itself uses as an example.
Is the percentage the same in pounds and kilograms?
Yes. A percentage is a ratio, so the unit cancels out. Use the same unit for both weights.
How do I calculate the percentage of weight I gained?
Use the same formula: if current weight is higher than starting weight, the calculator shows the gain as a positive percentage. (current − starting) ÷ starting × 100.
By Alton Vieira · Updated . Estimates for healthy adults; not medical advice. How every number is calculated.