Ideal Weight Calculator
What is my ideal weight? This free calculator compares four well-known ideal body weight formulas for your height and sex, adjusts the result for your body frame, and shows the healthy weight range based on BMI, in kilograms or pounds.
| Formula | Ideal weight |
|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | — |
| Robinson (1983) | — |
| Miller (1983) | — |
| Hamwi (1964) | — |
These formulas don't account for muscle mass or body composition, so use them as a reference point rather than a strict target. Our BMI Calculator and Body Fat Calculator can add more context.
Suggested natural foods to reach a healthy weight
- Fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit as the base of most meals
- Daal, chana, chicken, fish and eggs for steady, natural protein
- Whole grains — brown rice, whole wheat roti, oats — over refined flour
- Nuts, seeds and olive oil in moderate portions for healthy fats
- Home-cooked meals over processed or fried fast food where possible
General food group guidance, not a medical diet plan. Pair with our Calorie Calculator for a daily target.
What is ideal body weight?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is an estimate of the weight that is linked with good health for a person of a given height and sex. The idea started in the 1940s with life insurance tables and was later turned into simple formulas by doctors. Today, ideal weight formulas are still widely used in hospitals, for example to work out doses of some medicines and settings for breathing machines, and many people use them as a personal weight goal.
Ideal weight formulas
All four formulas start with a base weight for a height of 5 feet (152.4 cm) and add a set amount for every inch above that:
| Formula | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft |
| Robinson (1983) | 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 ft | 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 ft |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 ft | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 ft |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 ft | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 ft |
Example: For a man who is 175 cm tall (about 5 ft 8.9 in, or 8.9 inches over 5 ft), the Devine formula gives 50 + 2.3 × 8.9 = 70.5 kg. The four formulas together give about 69–72 kg, with an average of about 70 kg. For a woman who is 160 cm tall, they give about 52–57 kg, with an average of about 54 kg.
Why the formulas give different results
Each formula was created at a different time, from different groups of people, and often for different purposes. Devine's formula was designed to help calculate drug doses, while Robinson and Miller later revised it using population data. Hamwi's formula is one of the oldest and is still popular with dietitians. Looking at all four, and at their average, gives a more balanced picture than relying on just one.
Adjusting for frame size
Most ideal weight formulas assume a medium frame. People with a larger bone structure naturally weigh more, and people with a smaller frame weigh less. A common rule, especially with the Hamwi formula, is to subtract 10% for a small frame and add 10% for a large frame. Use our Frame Size Calculator to find your frame from your wrist size.
Ideal weight vs healthy weight range
An ideal weight formula gives one target number, while the healthy weight range uses a BMI of 18.5–24.9 to give a wider band. For most people the formula results fall inside this range. The range is more flexible and is what doctors usually rely on, so there is no need to hit an exact number. For a full range, including the lower range recommended for South Asian adults, see our Healthy Weight Calculator.
Limitations of ideal weight
Ideal weight formulas only use height and sex. They do not consider muscle, age, body fat or where fat is stored. An athlete may weigh much more than their ideal weight and still be very healthy, while someone at their ideal weight could still carry too much fat around the waist. The formulas are also not designed for children, pregnant women or people shorter than 5 feet. Treat your result as a helpful guide, and combine it with your body fat percentage and waist size for a fuller picture.
How to reach your ideal weight
Set a realistic goal and aim to change your weight slowly, by about 0.5 kg (1 lb) a week. Find your daily calorie target with our Calorie Calculator, plan your protein, carbs and fat with the Macro Calculator, and stay active every day. Small, steady habits, such as more vegetables, fewer sugary drinks and a daily walk, work better than crash diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my ideal weight for my height?
It depends on your sex and frame. As a rough guide, a man who is 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) has an ideal weight of about 69–72 kg (152–159 lb), and a woman who is 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) about 52–57 kg (115–126 lb). Use the calculator above for your exact height.
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
No single formula is perfect. The Robinson and Miller formulas are based on more recent data, while Devine is the most widely used in medicine. Using the average of all four, as this calculator does, gives a balanced estimate.
Is ideal weight the same for men and women?
No. At the same height, women's ideal weight is usually a few kilograms lower than men's, because women naturally have less muscle and a smaller bone structure on average.
What if I weigh more than my ideal weight?
That is very common and does not automatically mean you are unhealthy. Check whether you are within the healthy BMI range and look at your body fat and waist size. If you want to lose weight, aim for a slow, steady loss.
Does ideal weight change with age?
The formulas do not change with age. However, many experts accept that a slightly higher weight can be healthy for older adults, as long as waist size and overall health are good.