Ideal Weight Calculator

Ideal weight calculator at a glance#

An ideal weight calculator estimates a healthy body weight from your height and sex. It uses historical formulas that each start from a base weight at 5 feet tall and add a fixed amount for every inch above that. The formulas are sex-specific, so a man and a woman of the same height get different results.

The four ideal body weight formulas#

This is how each formula sets the base weight and the per-inch increment over 5 feet:

Worked example for 5 ft 10 in#

A height of 5 ft 10 in is 10 inches over 5 feet. Using the Devine formula, a man's ideal weight is 50 + (2.3 times 10) = 50 + 23 = 73 kg (about 161 lb). A woman at the same height is 45.5 + (2.3 times 10) = 45.5 + 23 = 68.5 kg (about 151 lb). The Robinson formula gives 71 kg for the man and 66 kg for the woman, so the four formulas usually land within a few kilograms of each other.

Ideal weight by height (Devine formula)#

Enter your height and sex in the calculator above to see the exact ideal weight from all four formulas at once. These equations use height and sex only, so they do not adjust for frame size, muscle mass or body fat, and the result is a guideline rather than a personal target.

What ideal body weight means#

Ideal body weight (IBW) is a reference weight for your height and sex. The formulas were first built to set drug dosages, where a standard weight was needed, and they later became a quick gauge of whether someone is roughly under, over, or near a healthy weight. The answer block above lists the four formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi) and a worked example, so they are not repeated here.

What the formulas use, and what they leave out#

The formulas use only height and sex. Each starts from a base weight at 5 feet tall and adds a fixed amount per inch above that, with men assigned a higher base than women because they tend to carry more muscle. They do not adjust for age, frame size, muscle mass, or body fat, which is why a muscular athlete can sit above their IBW while being perfectly healthy. For that reason, read the number alongside your body fat percentage rather than on its own.

Using the calculator#

Pick imperial or metric units, choose your sex, and enter your height. The calculator runs all four formulas and shows the range they produce, which usually spans a few kilograms. Compare your current weight against that range to see roughly where you sit. Because the formulas differ, treat the spread as a healthy band, not a single target.

When to look beyond the result#

IBW is a starting point, not a diagnosis. It can be misleading for athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone with much more or less muscle than average, since it counts only height and sex. For a fuller picture, pair it with a BMI reading, body fat analysis, and waist measurement, and discuss weight goals with a healthcare provider before making big changes.

Frequently asked questions#

How does the ideal weight calculator work?#

It applies the Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas to your height and sex. Each adds a set amount of weight per inch over 5 feet, and the calculator shows all four results so you can see the range.

What factors does it consider?#

Only height and sex. It does not account for age, frame size, muscle mass, or body fat, all of which affect a truly healthy weight, so the output is a guideline.

Why does muscle mass matter?#

Muscle is denser than fat, so a muscular person weighs more for the same height. Two people of equal height can have very different healthy weights depending on how much muscle they carry, which these formulas do not capture.

Can everyone use the ideal weight calculator?#

It suits most adults as a rough reference, but it is less useful for athletes or anyone with well above or below average muscle. In those cases, body fat analysis or professional advice gives a better read.

What is a healthy BMI range?#

For most adults a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. IBW and BMI are different measures, so use them together rather than relying on one.

How reliable are these formulas?#

They give a sound general guideline and the four agree within a few kilograms. They are decades old and use limited inputs, though, so they are best as a reference point rather than a precise goal.