We'll calculate your ideal weight using 4 formulas
Enter your details and click Calculate Ideal Weight to see results from 4 scientific formulas
The most widely used formula in clinical settings. Originally developed in 1974 for drug dosing calculations. Men: 50 + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft. Women: 45.5 + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft.
Developed in 1983, slightly more generous than Devine. Men: 52 + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 ft. Women: 49 + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 ft.
Published in 1983, tends to give the lowest ideal weight estimates. Men: 56.2 + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 ft. Women: 53.1 + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 ft.
Developed in 1964, one of the earliest IBW formulas. Men: 48 + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 ft. Women: 45.5 + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 ft.
Knowing your ideal body weight provides a valuable health benchmark that goes beyond simple scale readings. Unlike BMI, which categorizes your weight relative to height into broad ranges, ideal weight formulas provide a specific target weight that medical professionals have historically associated with the lowest risk of weight-related diseases. This ideal weight calculator uses four scientifically validated formulas to give you the most comprehensive picture of your target weight, adjusted for gender and body frame size.
Each formula was developed independently by medical researchers and takes a slightly different approach to estimating ideal weight. The Devine formula (1974) is the most commonly used in clinical pharmacology, where accurate weight estimation is essential for drug dosing. The Robinson formula (1983) was developed as a refinement of Devine's work, using updated population data. The Miller formula (1983) typically produces the lowest estimates and may be more appropriate for individuals with naturally lean builds. The Hamwi formula (1964) is one of the oldest and tends to produce slightly higher ideal weight estimates.
By comparing all four results, you get a range rather than a single number — which more accurately reflects the reality that there is no single "perfect" weight. The average of the four formulas provides a balanced, reliable target weight.
Body frame size is an important but often overlooked factor in weight assessment. People with larger skeletal frames naturally weigh more than those with smaller frames, even at the same height. A small frame typically indicates ideal weight about 10% below the calculated value, while a large frame suggests an ideal weight approximately 10% above the standard calculation. You can estimate your frame size using the wrist measurement method: wrap your thumb and middle finger around your opposite wrist. If they overlap significantly, you likely have a small frame; if they just touch, medium; if they don't touch, large.
It's important to understand the distinction between these commonly confused terms. Ideal weight is a formula-derived single-point estimate historically linked to lowest mortality risk. Healthy weight is the broader range corresponding to a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 — you can be at a "healthy" weight without being at your calculated "ideal." Goal weight is personal — it's what you're actually aiming for, which might differ from the formula output based on your body composition, fitness level, and personal preferences. An athlete may have a "goal weight" significantly above their calculated ideal weight due to muscle mass.
Many people search for very specific answers like "ideal weight for 5 feet 8 inches" or "healthy weight for 170 cm male." While these formulas provide concrete answers, remember they don't account for muscle mass, body fat distribution, or metabolic health. A person at their "ideal" weight can still be metabolically unhealthy if they have high visceral fat, and someone above their "ideal" weight can be perfectly healthy with significant muscle mass. Use ideal weight as a directional guide, not an absolute standard.
For a more complete health picture, combine this ideal weight calculator with our BMI Calculator, Body Fat Calculator, and TDEE Calculator to understand your body composition and energy needs holistically.
Ideal body weight is an estimated weight considered healthiest for a given height, determined using medical formulas like Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi. These formulas calculate based on height and gender, originally developed for clinical pharmacology.
No single formula is definitively most accurate. The Devine formula is most common in clinical use. Using the average of all four provides the most balanced estimate.
Yes. People with larger skeletal frames naturally weigh more. A small frame may reduce ideal weight by 10%, while a large frame may increase it by 10%. Use the wrist measurement method to estimate your frame size.
For a male at 5'8" (173 cm), the ideal weight is approximately 63–72 kg (139–159 lbs). For a female, approximately 59–68 kg (130–150 lbs). Frame size can shift these values by ±10%.
Not exactly. Ideal weight is a formula-derived single point, while healthy weight is a range (BMI 18.5–24.9). You can be at a healthy weight without being at your calculated ideal weight.
