How do I calculate my ideal body weight?

Ideal body weight is calculated using formulas based on your height and gender. The most common formulas are Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi. Our calculator uses all four to give you an ideal weight range. For example, the Devine formula for men is: 50kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5 feet.

What is my ideal weight based on height and age?

Your ideal weight is primarily determined by height and gender. Age has a minor effect — metabolism slows with age, but the ideal weight formulas remain the same. A healthy BMI range (18.5-24.9) provides a weight range based on height. Our calculator shows both formula-based ideal weight and BMI-based healthy range.

What are the different ideal weight formulas?

The four main ideal weight formulas are: 1) Devine (1974) - most widely used in medicine, 2) Robinson (1983) - modification of Devine, 3) Miller (1983) - tends to give higher weights, 4) Hamwi (1964) - original formula. Each gives slightly different results, so we show a range from all four.

Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?

Ideal weight (from formulas) and healthy weight (from BMI) are related but different. Ideal weight formulas give a specific target, while BMI gives a healthy range. For example, someone might have an ideal weight of 70kg but a healthy BMI range of 58-79kg. Both are useful — ideal weight is a target, healthy range shows acceptable bounds.

How accurate are ideal weight calculators?

Ideal weight calculators provide estimates based on height and gender. They don't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. Athletes and muscular individuals may be healthier above their 'ideal' weight. Use ideal weight as a general guide alongside other health metrics like body fat percentage and fitness level.

What is the Devine formula for ideal weight?

The Devine formula (1974) is the most widely used ideal weight formula. For men: IBW = 50kg + 2.3kg × (height in inches - 60). For women: IBW = 45.5kg + 2.3kg × (height in inches - 60). It was originally developed for drug dosing calculations but is now used broadly for ideal weight estimation.

How does BMI relate to ideal weight?

BMI (Body Mass Index) provides a healthy weight range, while ideal weight formulas provide a specific target within that range. A healthy BMI is 18.5-24.9. Our calculator shows both: your ideal weight from formulas AND your healthy weight range from BMI, so you can see how they compare.

Should I aim for my ideal weight?

Ideal weight is a useful target, but it's not the only measure of health. Consider your body composition, fitness level, energy, and how you feel. If you're muscular, your healthy weight may be above the 'ideal'. Focus on being in the healthy range rather than hitting an exact number.

Does frame size affect ideal weight?

Yes, body frame size (small, medium, large) can shift your ideal weight by ±10%. People with larger frames naturally weigh more due to bigger bones. You can estimate frame size by measuring wrist circumference. Our calculator provides a range that accommodates different frame sizes.

What if I'm shorter than 5 feet?

Traditional ideal weight formulas are designed for adults 5 feet and taller. For shorter adults, BMI-based healthy weight ranges are more reliable. Our calculator handles shorter heights by using BMI calculations when formula results would be inaccurate.

How often should I check my ideal weight?

Your ideal weight based on height doesn't change (unless you're still growing). However, your actual weight and body composition do change. Check your progress weekly, but focus on trends over months rather than daily fluctuations. Recalculate if your height measurement was inaccurate.

Ideal Weight Calculator

What should your weight be for your height? Our ideal weight calculator answers this question using four scientifically-validated formulas: Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi. Unlike simple BMI charts, these formulas calculate your ideal body weight (IBW) based on your specific height and gender, giving you a personalized healthy weight range to target.

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calendar_today Updated: March 2025

auto_awesome AI Insights AI

Gender

Height

5'7" (170 cm)

Body Frame (Optional)

Current Weight (Optional)

info

Multiple Formulas

We use 4 scientific formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi) to calculate an ideal weight range.

monitor_weight Ideal Weight

66.5 kg

Range: 63.0 - 70.0 kg

Healthy Weight Range

53 kg Ideal 72 kg

Formula Results

Devine (1974) 65.8 kg

Robinson (1983) 66.5 kg

Miller (1983) 67.1 kg

Hamwi (1964) 66.8 kg

BMI-Based Healthy Range

BMI 18.5

53.5 kg

—

BMI 24.9

72.0 kg

Input Values

Gender

Male

Female

Height

Height Unit

inches

auto_awesome AI Analysis

Ideal Weight for 178cm Male:

Ideal weight: 73.5 kg (162 lbs)
Healthy range: 69-77 kg
BMI range: 58.6-79.2 kg (18.5-24.9 BMI)

Multiple formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller) are averaged. Individual factors like muscle mass and frame size also matter.

lightbulb Tips

•Formulas are guidelines, not absolutes
•Frame size affects ideal weight range
•Muscle mass isn't accounted for
•BMI 18.5-24.9 is healthy for most

functions Weight Formulas

Men (per inch over 5')

Devine 50kg + 2.3kg

Robinson 52kg + 1.9kg

Miller 56.2kg + 1.41kg

Hamwi 48kg + 2.7kg

Women (per inch over 5')

Devine 45.5kg + 2.3kg

Robinson 49kg + 1.7kg

Miller 53.1kg + 1.36kg

Hamwi 45.5kg + 2.2kg

How to Use This Calculator

person

Select Your Gender

Choose male or female — ideal weight formulas differ significantly between genders.

height

Enter Your Height

Input your accurate height in cm or inches. Height is the primary factor in ideal weight.

straighten

Optional: Frame Size

If you know your body frame (small, medium, large), select it for a more personalized range.

monitor_weight

View Your Ideal Weight Range

See your ideal weight from multiple formulas plus your BMI-based healthy range.

The Formula

Ideal weight formulas calculate a base weight for someone 5 feet tall, then add weight for each inch of height above 5 feet. Different formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi) use different base weights and height factors, which is why we show an ideal weight range from all formulas.

IBW = Base Weight + (Height Factor × Inches over 5ft)

lightbulb Variables Explained

IBW Ideal Body Weight in kg or lbs
Base Weight Starting weight for 5 feet tall (varies by formula and gender)
Height Factor Weight added per inch over 5 feet (varies by formula)

tips_and_updates Pro Tips

Ideal weight is a range, not a single number — aim for the range that feels best for you

These formulas don't account for muscle mass — athletes may be healthier above the 'ideal' range

Consider body composition (muscle vs fat) alongside ideal weight

Frame size (small, medium, large) can shift your ideal weight ±10%

Ideal weight is a guide — overall health markers matter more than the number on the scale

Combine ideal weight with BMI and body fat percentage for a complete picture

Ideal Weight Calculator — What Should You Weigh for Your Height?

Our free ideal weight calculator tells you exactly what you should weigh based on your height and gender. Using four scientifically-validated formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi), we calculate your ideal body weight range — not just a single number. Find your healthy weight target now.

How to Calculate Ideal Body Weight

Ideal body weight (IBW) is calculated using formulas based on height and gender. The most widely used is the Devine formula (1974): For men, IBW = 50kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5 feet. For women, IBW = 45.5kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5 feet. Our calculator uses multiple formulas to give you a reliable range.

Ideal Weight for Men and Women

Men and women have different ideal weights at the same height due to differences in muscle mass and body composition. A 5'10" man has an ideal weight around 73kg, while a 5'10" woman has an ideal weight around 66kg. Our calculator automatically adjusts based on your gender.

Ideal Weight vs BMI Healthy Range

Ideal weight formulas give you a specific target, while BMI gives you a healthy range (18.5-24.9). Both are useful: ideal weight is your target, BMI range shows the bounds of healthy weight. Our calculator shows both so you can see how they compare.

Understanding Different Formulas

We use four ideal weight formulas: Devine (1974) — most widely used, Robinson (1983) — modified Devine, Miller (1983) — tends higher, and Hamwi (1964) — original formula. Different formulas suit different body types, which is why we show a range rather than a single number.

Frequently Asked Questions

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