Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your ideal body weight using multiple formulas including Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi.
About Ideal Weight Calculator
An ideal weight calculator estimates a healthy weight range based on your height and gender using several well-known medical formulas. The concept of 'ideal weight' has evolved over time — modern medicine recognizes that there is no single perfect weight for any given height. Instead, these formulas provide useful reference ranges that can guide health and fitness goals.
How to Use
Enter your height (in feet/inches or centimeters) and select your gender. The calculator displays ideal weight estimates from multiple formulas including Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi. You can compare all formulas side-by-side to see the range. Some versions also account for frame size (small, medium, large) which can affect ideal weight by 10% in either direction.
Formula / Key Equations
Devine formula: Male: 50 + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. Female: 45.5 + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. Robinson formula: Male: 52 + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet. Female: 49 + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet. Miller formula: Male: 56.2 + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet. Female: 53.1 + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet. Hamwi formula: Male: 48 + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet. Female: 45.5 + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet.
Common Use Cases
Setting initial weight loss or gain targets. Providing a general reference point when starting a fitness journey. Helping healthcare professionals discuss weight management with patients. Complementing BMI results for a broader understanding of healthy weight. Comparing with current weight to identify potential health risks.
Limitations
These formulas are based on population averages and mathematical models — they cannot account for individual factors like muscle mass, bone density, age, ethnicity, or health conditions. A muscular athlete may weigh well above any ideal weight formula and still be perfectly healthy. Body composition (fat vs. lean mass) is more important than total weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
No single formula is universally most accurate. The Devine formula (1974) is the most widely used in clinical settings. The Robinson and Miller formulas tend to give slightly lower estimates. We recommend looking at the range across all formulas rather than relying on one.
Should I aim for my ideal weight exactly?
Not necessarily. Ideal weight formulas provide reference ranges, not exact targets. Your healthy weight depends on muscle mass, bone structure, age, and overall health. Many athletes and fit individuals weigh more than formula estimates due to muscle mass.
How does frame size affect ideal weight?
Frame size can shift ideal weight by approximately 10%. Small-framed individuals should aim for the lower end of the range, while large-framed individuals can aim for the higher end. Frame size can be estimated by measuring wrist circumference.
Do these formulas work for all ethnicities?
These formulas were primarily developed using data from Caucasian populations and may not be equally applicable to all ethnic groups. Some research suggests that Asian populations may have different optimal weight-to-height ratios due to differences in body composition.
Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?
Not exactly. Healthy weight is a range that considers overall health markers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar) rather than just height. BMI-based ranges (18.5-24.9) are often used as a practical definition of healthy weight.
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