Ideal Weight Calculator
Estimate ideal body weight from height and sex using four published formulas, and compare them with the weight range for a healthy BMI.
Ideal body weight formulas
| Formula | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Devine | 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft |
| Robinson | 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch | 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch |
| Miller | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch |
| Hamwi | 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch |
Worked example
For a man 5 ft 10 in tall, the Devine formula gives 50 + 2.3 × 10 = 73 kg (161 lb). The healthy BMI range of 18.5–24.9 works out to about 129–174 lb.
Ideal weight formulas are rough population estimates, not personal targets. Muscle mass, body composition and health history all matter. Speak with a doctor or registered dietitian for personal guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Which ideal weight formula is best?
None is best for everyone. They give similar results for average heights and differ more for very short or tall people.
Why do the formulas give different answers?
They were developed from different data sets and for different purposes, mainly estimating drug doses.
Does ideal weight account for muscle?
No. Athletes with more muscle often weigh more than these estimates while being very healthy.
Is BMI a better guide?
BMI gives a range rather than a single number, but it also does not measure body fat directly.
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