Find your ideal body weight based on height and gender using four popular medical formulas.
This calculator uses four well-established formulas for estimating ideal body weight (IBW). All formulas are based on height in inches above 5 feet (60 inches):
These formulas were designed for adults and provide a rough estimate. Your actual ideal weight depends on many factors including body composition, muscle mass, bone density, and overall health.
Ideal body weight (IBW) is an estimated weight range considered healthy for a given height. Several formulas have been developed over the decades to approximate this value, including the Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas. Each was originally created for specific medical applications such as drug dosing and ventilator settings, but they have since been adopted for general health guidance. No single formula is universally perfect because ideal weight depends on factors like body frame size, muscle mass, age, and overall health. Rather than fixating on a single number, it is more useful to consider a range. The BMI-based healthy weight range (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) is another common approach. Your ideal weight should be one at which you feel energetic, can maintain good health markers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar), and can sustain long-term without extreme dieting.
Here are four commonly used ideal weight formulas. All use height in inches, with a baseline of 5 feet (60 inches):
Devine (1974): Men = 50 + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60) kg | Women = 45.5 + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60) kg
Worked example: A 5’9” (69 inches) male using the Devine formula:
A 5’5” (65 inches) female using the Devine formula: 45.5 + (2.3 × 5) = 57.0 kg (125.7 lbs)
| Height | Men (kg / lbs) | Women (kg / lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 5’0” | 50.0 / 110.2 | 45.5 / 100.3 |
| 5’1” | 52.3 / 115.3 | 47.8 / 105.4 |
| 5’2” | 54.6 / 120.4 | 50.1 / 110.5 |
| 5’3” | 56.9 / 125.4 | 52.4 / 115.5 |
| 5’4” | 59.2 / 130.5 | 54.7 / 120.6 |
| 5’5” | 61.5 / 135.6 | 57.0 / 125.7 |
| 5’6” | 63.8 / 140.7 | 59.3 / 130.7 |
| 5’7” | 66.1 / 145.7 | 61.6 / 135.8 |
| 5’8” | 68.4 / 150.8 | 63.9 / 140.9 |
| 5’9” | 70.7 / 155.9 | 66.2 / 145.9 |
| 5’10” | 73.0 / 160.9 | 68.5 / 151.0 |
| 5’11” | 75.3 / 166.0 | 70.8 / 156.1 |
| 6’0” | 77.6 / 171.1 | 73.1 / 161.2 |
| 6’1” | 79.9 / 176.1 | 75.4 / 166.2 |
| 6’2” | 82.2 / 181.2 | 77.7 / 171.3 |
| 6’3” | 84.5 / 186.3 | 80.0 / 176.4 |
| 6’4” | 86.8 / 191.4 | 82.3 / 181.4 |
No single formula is definitively most accurate. The Devine formula is most commonly used in clinical settings. The Robinson and Miller formulas tend to give slightly lower values. Using multiple formulas and averaging them or considering the BMI-based range (18.5 to 24.9) often provides the most useful estimate.
Yes. People with larger bone structures (wider wrists, broader shoulders) naturally weigh more than those with smaller frames at the same height. You can estimate frame size by measuring your wrist circumference: less than 6.5 inches for women indicates a small frame, 6.5 to 7.5 inches is medium, and over 7.5 inches is large.
Yes. Men typically have more muscle mass and denser bones, so ideal weight formulas assign higher values for men at the same height. Hormonal differences also mean men and women store fat in different patterns, affecting what weight is considered healthy.
No. Ideal weight calculations give a reference point, not a rigid target. A range of plus or minus 10 percent from the calculated value is perfectly healthy. Focus on how you feel, your energy levels, blood markers, and overall fitness rather than a specific number on the scale.
Most ideal weight formulas do not account for age, but body composition changes over time. After age 30, people tend to lose muscle and gain fat. Older adults may benefit from being in the upper part of the healthy BMI range, as some research suggests a slightly higher BMI (23 to 27) is protective in people over 65.
Absolutely. If your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other health markers are normal, and you exercise regularly, being moderately above your calculated ideal weight does not necessarily mean you are unhealthy. This is sometimes called 'metabolically healthy overweight.'
Ideal body weight (IBW) is a clinical estimation of the weight at which a person of a given height is expected to be healthiest, based on population studies and actuarial data. The concept originated in the insurance industry in the early 20th century when Metropolitan Life Insurance Company published height-weight tables correlating body weight with longevity. Since then, medical researchers have developed multiple formulas, each derived from different datasets and populations. The four most widely used formulas are Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), Miller (1983), and Hamwi (1964), all of which are calculated by this tool.
The Devine formula, originally created by Dr. B.J. Devine for calculating drug dosages in obese patients, became the de facto standard in clinical practice despite not being validated for general weight recommendations. It assigns a base weight at 5 feet tall and adds a fixed amount per additional inch of height. The Robinson formula was developed as a refinement using newer population data and tends to produce slightly lower estimates. The Miller formula yields the highest estimates among the four, reflecting a larger-framed population sample. The Hamwi formula, the oldest of the group, was designed for quick clinical estimation and produces values similar to Devine for most heights.
It is important to understand that no single number defines your ideal weight. Body composition, muscle mass, bone density, age, ethnicity, and overall health all influence what weight is truly optimal for you. A 6-foot male bodybuilder might weigh 220 pounds at 10% body fat and be in excellent health, while the Devine formula would suggest 77.6 kg (171 lbs). Modern medicine increasingly uses BMI ranges (18.5 to 24.9 for healthy weight) alongside body fat percentage, waist circumference, and metabolic health markers rather than relying on a single ideal weight number. This calculator provides four formula-based estimates and their average as a reference point, not a rigid target.
All four formulas use height in inches above 5 feet (60 inches) as the primary variable:
Devine (1974): Men = 50 + 2.3 × (inches over 60) kg | Women = 45.5 + 2.3 × (inches over 60) kg
Robinson (1983): Men = 52 + 1.9 × (inches over 60) kg | Women = 49 + 1.7 × (inches over 60) kg
Miller (1983): Men = 56.2 + 1.41 × (inches over 60) kg | Women = 53.1 + 1.36 × (inches over 60) kg
Hamwi (1964): Men = 48 + 2.7 × (inches over 60) kg | Women = 45.5 + 2.2 × (inches over 60) kg
Example -- 5’10” male (70 inches): Over 60 = 10 inches. Devine: 50 + 23 = 73.0 kg. Robinson: 52 + 19 = 71.0 kg. Miller: 56.2 + 14.1 = 70.3 kg. Hamwi: 48 + 27 = 75.0 kg. Average: 72.3 kg (159 lbs)
Example -- 5’4” female (64 inches): Over 60 = 4 inches. Devine: 45.5 + 9.2 = 54.7 kg. Robinson: 49 + 6.8 = 55.8 kg. Miller: 53.1 + 5.44 = 58.5 kg. Hamwi: 45.5 + 8.8 = 54.3 kg. Average: 55.8 kg (123 lbs)
BMI-Based Method: An alternative approach uses the healthy BMI range. For a 5’10” male: BMI 18.5 = 57.7 kg, BMI 24.9 = 77.6 kg. The healthy weight range is 128 to 171 lbs, which is broader than formula-based estimates and accommodates different body types.
1. Petite woman (5’2”): Formulas suggest 50-55 kg (110-121 lbs). A small-framed woman might be healthy at 105 lbs, while a large-framed woman at 130 lbs is still perfectly fine with good health markers.
2. Tall man (6’3”): Formulas suggest 80-85 kg (176-187 lbs). Athletic men at this height often weigh 200+ lbs with healthy body fat, showing formula limitations for muscular builds.
3. Average woman (5’5”): Formula average is about 57 kg (126 lbs). The healthy BMI range spans 111 to 150 lbs, a 39-pound window reflecting how varied healthy weights can be.
4. Stocky male (5’7”): Formulas suggest 63-66 kg (139-146 lbs). A large-framed man who lifts weights may weigh 170 lbs at 16% body fat and be in excellent health. Frame size adjustments of plus or minus 10% should be applied.
5. Teenage girl (5’6”): Formula estimates around 59 kg (130 lbs). However, teens are still developing and should focus on healthy eating patterns rather than targeting a specific weight. Growth, puberty, and bone development make rigid weight targets inappropriate.
6. Senior man (5’9”, age 72): Formulas suggest 66-71 kg (146-157 lbs). Research suggests slightly higher weights in seniors (BMI 23-27) are protective. He might be healthiest at 165-175 lbs, above formula estimates but within the evidence-based senior range.
7. Female athlete (5’8”): Formulas suggest 62-64 kg (137-141 lbs). A muscular female athlete may weigh 155 lbs with 18% body fat and exceptional health markers. This highlights why body composition matters more than scale weight.
8. Post-pregnancy (5’4”): Pre-pregnancy weight was 130 lbs, current weight 155 lbs. The formula suggests 54 kg (119 lbs). A realistic healthy target might be 125-135 lbs, giving time for recovery and accounting for body changes from pregnancy and breastfeeding.
| Height | Devine (M/F) | Robinson (M/F) | Miller (M/F) | Hamwi (M/F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5’0” | 50.0 / 45.5 | 52.0 / 49.0 | 56.2 / 53.1 | 48.0 / 45.5 |
| 5’4” | 59.2 / 54.7 | 59.6 / 55.8 | 61.8 / 58.5 | 58.8 / 54.3 |
| 5’8” | 68.4 / 63.9 | 67.2 / 62.6 | 67.5 / 64.0 | 69.6 / 63.1 |
| 6’0” | 77.6 / 73.1 | 74.8 / 69.4 | 73.1 / 69.4 | 80.4 / 71.9 |
| 6’4” | 86.8 / 82.3 | 82.4 / 76.2 | 78.7 / 74.8 | 91.2 / 80.7 |
Men vs. Women: All four formulas assign men a higher ideal weight at the same height due to greater average muscle mass and bone density. The difference ranges from 4 to 11 kg depending on the formula and height. Women naturally carry more essential body fat (10-13% vs. 2-5% for men).
Frame Size Adjustment: Standard IBW formulas assume a medium frame. Adjust by subtracting 10% for small frames or adding 10% for large frames. Measure wrist circumference for frame estimation: small (men less than 6.5 in, women less than 5.5 in), medium, large (men greater than 7.5 in, women greater than 6.5 in).
Elderly: Older adults naturally shift toward higher ideal weights. Research in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that BMI 25-27 (technically overweight) was associated with the lowest mortality in adults over 65, suggesting ideal weights 5-10% above standard formula estimates may be more appropriate.
Athletes and Muscular Individuals: IBW formulas significantly underestimate healthy weight for muscular people. A male bodybuilder at 5’10” might weigh 200+ lbs with 12% body fat. For athletes, body fat percentage and performance metrics are far better indicators of optimal weight than any formula.
Use ideal weight formulas as a starting point, not a definitive target. Focus on health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, energy levels, and physical fitness rather than a single number on the scale. Weight that you can maintain without extreme dieting or exercise is likely closer to your true ideal than any formula suggests.
Pro Tip: Instead of targeting a single weight, aim for a 10-pound healthy range. This reduces stress, accounts for normal daily fluctuations (2-5 lbs from water, food, and glycogen), and is more sustainable long-term than pursuing a precise number.
Did You Know? The Devine formula, the most commonly used IBW formula in medicine, was never actually validated for determining ideal weight. It was created to calculate drug doses in obese patients and was adopted for weight guidance without a supporting clinical study.
Not necessarily. Formula-based ideal weights are population averages. Your healthiest weight is the weight at which your blood markers are optimal, you have sufficient energy, you can exercise comfortably, and you can maintain it without extreme measures. This may be above or below formula estimates.
Each formula was derived from different population data, time periods, and purposes. Hamwi (1964) used mid-century American data, Devine (1974) was for drug dosing, while Robinson and Miller (1983) attempted to refine earlier work. The differences highlight that ideal weight is an estimate, not a precise science.
Standard IBW formulas were developed primarily from Caucasian population data. Asian populations tend to have higher body fat at lower BMIs, so lower ideal weights may be appropriate. The WHO recommends BMI cutoffs of 23 (overweight) and 25 (obese) for Asian populations vs. 25 and 30 for other groups.
No. These formulas are designed for adults. Children and adolescents should use age-specific BMI percentile charts (CDC or WHO growth charts) that account for normal developmental changes. A pediatrician is the best resource for assessing a child's weight.
The formulas are less reliable below 5 feet (152 cm) because they use height above 60 inches as a variable. For very short adults, a BMI-based healthy weight range (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) is more appropriate. A person who is 4 feet 10 inches has a healthy range of about 91 to 119 lbs.
During pregnancy, IBW formulas do not apply. Recommended weight gain is 25-35 lbs for normal-weight women, 15-25 lbs for overweight women, and 11-20 lbs for obese women. After delivery, a gradual return to pre-pregnancy weight over 6-12 months is considered healthy. Breastfeeding can assist with this process.
BMI provides a range (18.5-24.9 for healthy weight), which is more flexible than a single IBW number. However, BMI shares the same limitation: it does not account for muscle mass. The most useful approach combines BMI range, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and metabolic health markers.
It is normal for weight to fluctuate 2-5 lbs (1-2.5 kg) within a single day due to water retention, food in the digestive tract, glycogen stores, sodium intake, and hormonal cycles. Women may experience fluctuations of 5-8 lbs during their menstrual cycle. Weigh yourself at the same time under the same conditions and track weekly averages.
Set point theory suggests your body has a genetically influenced weight range (10-15 lbs wide) that it defends through metabolic and hormonal adjustments. When you diet below your set point, hunger increases and metabolism slows. While you can shift your set point through sustained lifestyle changes over months to years, rapid dieting typically triggers a rebound back to the set point.
Ideal weight connects to many aspects of health assessment. Use the BMI Calculator for a range-based perspective on healthy weight. The Body Fat Calculator reveals your actual composition beyond the scale number. Plan your nutrition with the Calorie Calculator and Macro Calculator to reach your goals sustainably. Check your TDEE to understand your daily energy needs. The Protein Calculator helps ensure adequate protein for preserving muscle during weight changes. Stay hydrated with the Water Intake Calculator.
Ideal Weight Calculator - Find Your Healthy Weight is one of the most searched-for tools on the internet, and for good reason. Whether you are a student, professional, or just someone trying to solve an everyday problem, having a reliable ideal weight - find your healthy weight tool at your fingertips saves time and reduces errors. This calculator handles all the common scenarios you might encounter, from simple calculations to more complex multi-step problems. The mathematics behind ideal weight - find your healthy weight calculations has been refined over centuries, with practical applications spanning education, business, science, engineering, healthcare, and daily life. Understanding how the calculation works — not just plugging in numbers — gives you the confidence to verify results and catch mistakes. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the formulas, show you worked examples, provide reference tables, and answer the most common questions people ask about ideal weight - find your healthy weight calculations.
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Ideal Weight - Find Your Healthy Weight measurements are used extensively in healthcare, fitness, and wellness. Doctors and nurses use these calculations for patient assessments, treatment planning, and monitoring progress. Nutritionists and dietitians rely on ideal weight - find your healthy weight calculations to create meal plans, assess nutritional status, and set health goals. Fitness trainers use them to design workout programs, track client progress, and adjust training intensity. Public health researchers use ideal weight - find your healthy weight data at the population level to identify trends, evaluate interventions, and set policy recommendations. Understanding your own ideal weight - find your healthy weight numbers empowers you to take control of your health and have more informed conversations with healthcare providers.
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The concept behind ideal weight - find your healthy weight has been used by humans for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Greeks all developed methods for these types of calculations, often using remarkably clever shortcuts that are still useful today.
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The calculator uses standard mathematical formulas for ideal weight - find your healthy weight calculations. The specific formula is explained in the "How to calculate" section above.
Ideal Weight - Find Your Healthy Weight calculations come up frequently in everyday life, from shopping and cooking to finance and professional work. A calculator ensures accuracy and saves time on complex calculations.
Simple ideal weight - find your healthy weight calculations can be done mentally using shortcuts described in our guide above. For complex calculations or when accuracy matters, use this calculator.
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