Ideal Weight Calculator
👤 Biological Sex
🦴 Body Frame Size
—
Your Ideal Weight Range
Based on the average of 4 scientific formulas
In-Content Ad · 336×280
What Is Ideal Body Weight?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is a target weight range associated with good health and lower risk of weight-related conditions. Unlike BMI, which simply categorizes your current weight, IBW formulas give you a specific target range to work towards, accounting for height and sex.
No single formula is universally "best" — each was developed for different purposes and populations. Using the average of multiple formulas gives a more reliable estimate than relying on any single formula alone.
The Four Ideal Weight Formulas Explained
1. Hamwi Formula (1964)
Developed by Dr. G.J. Hamwi for clinical use. Uses a simple base weight adjusted by height above 5 feet:
Male: 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 ft
Female: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 ft
2. Devine Formula (1974)
Created by Dr. B.J. Devine, primarily for medication dosing:
Male: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft
Female: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft
3. Robinson Formula (1983)
A modification of the Devine formula with slightly different coefficients:
Male: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 ft
Female: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 ft
4. Miller Formula (1983)
Another variation, often considered to produce slightly lower ideal weights:
Male: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 ft
Female: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 ft
How Body Frame Size Affects Ideal Weight
Body frame size accounts for the fact that people of the same height can have significantly different bone densities and skeletal structures. A person with a large frame naturally weighs more than someone with a small frame at the same height. You can estimate your frame size by wrapping your thumb and index finger around your wrist:
- Small frame: Fingers overlap
- Medium frame: Fingers just touch
- Large frame: Fingers don't touch
⚠️ Important note: These ideal weight formulas were developed primarily on Western, European populations and may not be directly applicable to all ethnicities. Additionally, they do not account for muscle mass — athletes and bodybuilders may have "ideal" weights that appear higher than these formulas suggest.
Is There Really One "Ideal" Weight?
Research suggests that health is better predicted by a range of factors — including waist circumference, body fat percentage, metabolic health markers, fitness level, and lifestyle — than by a single number on a scale. The ideal weight formulas give a useful reference point, but the broader 18.5–24.9 BMI range (which translates to a weight range for each height) is generally considered healthy for most adults.
| Height | Healthy BMI Weight Range (kg) | Healthy BMI Weight Range (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4'11") | 41.6 – 56.2 kg | 92 – 124 lbs |
| 155 cm (5'1") | 44.5 – 59.9 kg | 98 – 132 lbs |
| 160 cm (5'3") | 47.4 – 63.9 kg | 105 – 141 lbs |
| 165 cm (5'5") | 50.4 – 68.0 kg | 111 – 150 lbs |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 53.5 – 72.2 kg | 118 – 159 lbs |
| 175 cm (5'9") | 56.7 – 76.5 kg | 125 – 169 lbs |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 59.9 – 80.9 kg | 132 – 178 lbs |
| 185 cm (6'1") | 63.3 – 85.4 kg | 140 – 188 lbs |
| 190 cm (6'3") | 66.7 – 90.0 kg | 147 – 198 lbs |
❓ FAQ
No single formula is universally most accurate. The Devine formula is most commonly used in clinical settings for medication dosing. For general wellness purposes, using the average of all four formulas provides the most balanced estimate. Remember these are guidelines, not rigid targets.
All four formulas use 5 feet (152 cm) as the baseline. For people shorter than 5 feet, the formulas subtract from the base weight. The results can be less reliable at extreme heights — a healthcare provider's assessment would be more appropriate in this case.
The traditional IBW formulas do not account for age. Some research suggests that adults over 65 may benefit from a slightly higher BMI (around 23–27) compared to the standard healthy range, as being underweight in older age carries significant health risks including frailty and bone loss.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: Ideal weight formulas are guidelines only. Body weight is just one factor in overall health. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.