Percent Weight Loss Calculator
Your Progress
How to Calculate Your Weight Loss Percentage
While tracking the total number of pounds or kilograms lost is a great motivator, calculating your weight loss percentage provides a more accurate picture of your progress relative to your body size. For example, a 10-pound loss is significantly different for someone starting at 150 pounds versus someone starting at 300 pounds.
((Starting Weight – Current Weight) / Starting Weight) x 100 = Percentage Weight Loss
Why Weight Loss Percentage Matters
Medical professionals and nutritionists often use percentages to set health goals. Clinical studies frequently show that losing just 5% to 10% of your total body weight can lead to significant health improvements, including:
- Improved blood pressure levels
- Reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes
- Better cholesterol profiles
- Reduced strain on joints (knees and hips)
- Improved sleep quality and energy levels
Real-World Example
Let's look at a realistic scenario using this calculator:
If Sarah starts her fitness journey at 220 lbs and after three months she weighs 198 lbs, her calculation would be:
- 220 – 198 = 22 lbs lost
- 22 / 220 = 0.10
- 0.10 x 100 = 10%
Sarah has reached the "10% milestone," which is a major clinical benchmark for health risk reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy weekly weight loss percentage?
Generally, losing 0.5% to 1% of your body weight per week is considered sustainable and healthy by most health organizations.
Does this work for both kg and lbs?
Yes! Since it is a percentage calculation, as long as you use the same unit for both the starting and current weight, the result will be accurate.
What if the result is negative?
If your current weight is higher than your starting weight, the calculator will show a negative percentage, indicating a weight gain. This is normal during muscle-building phases or due to water retention.