Calculate your ideal body weight based on height and gender using scientifically recognized formulas like Devine.
Calculate ideal body weight using the Devine Formula.
The Ideal Weight Calculator helps you determine a healthy target weight based on your height and gender using four scientifically validated formulas: Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi. Understanding your ideal body weight (IBW) is essential for setting realistic fitness goals, assessing health risks, and planning effective weight management strategies.
Originally developed in the 1960s-1980s for clinical applications such as medication dosing and anesthesia calculations, these IBW formulas have become valuable reference points for anyone pursuing optimal health. While no single number defines "ideal" for everyone, these evidence-based calculations provide a medically-recognized starting point that accounts for physiological differences between men and women.
Devine Formula (1974) — Most Common
Men: IBW = 50 kg + 2.3 kg × (height in inches − 60)
Women: IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg × (height in inches − 60)
Robinson Formula (1983)
Men: IBW = 52 kg + 1.9 kg × (height in inches − 60)
Women: IBW = 49 kg + 1.7 kg × (height in inches − 60)
Miller Formula (1983)
Men: IBW = 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg × (height in inches − 60)
Women: IBW = 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg × (height in inches − 60)
Hamwi Formula (1964)
Men: IBW = 48 kg + 2.7 kg × (height in inches − 60)
Women: IBW = 45.4 kg + 2.2 kg × (height in inches − 60)
All formulas assume a baseline height of 5 feet (60 inches / 152 cm). The Devine formula is most commonly used in clinical settings for medication dosing, while Robinson and Miller tend to give slightly higher estimates for taller individuals.
This table shows average ideal body weight across all four formulas for common heights:
| Height | Men (kg) | Men (lbs) | Women (kg) | Women (lbs) | Healthy Range (±10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 51.6 | 114 | 48.3 | 106 | ±5-11 lbs |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 55.7 | 123 | 52.0 | 115 | ±6-12 lbs |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 59.8 | 132 | 55.7 | 123 | ±6-13 lbs |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 63.8 | 141 | 59.3 | 131 | ±7-14 lbs |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 68.2 | 150 | 63.4 | 140 | ±7-15 lbs |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 73.0 | 161 | 68.5 | 151 | ±8-16 lbs |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 77.6 | 171 | 73.1 | 161 | ±8-17 lbs |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 82.2 | 181 | 77.7 | 171 | ±9-18 lbs |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | 86.8 | 191 | 82.3 | 181 | ±9-19 lbs |
Values shown are averages of Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas. Your healthy range is ±10% of these values.
Ideal weight formulas provide a useful starting point, but they don't account for several critical factors that influence your true healthy weight:
Muscle Mass vs. Fat Mass: A 180 lb person with 15% body fat is healthier than a 160 lb person with 30% body fat. Muscle is denser than fat, so athletes and strength trainers often exceed their "ideal" weight while being in excellent health. Body composition matters more than the number on the scale.
Bone Density: People with larger, denser bones naturally weigh more. This is particularly relevant for athletes and those who've done weight-bearing exercise throughout their lives. DEXA scans can measure bone density accurately.
Age-Related Changes: Metabolism slows approximately 2-3% per decade after age 30. Adults over 65 may actually benefit from slightly higher weights to protect against frailty and maintain energy reserves during illness.
Ethnic Variations: IBW formulas were developed primarily from Caucasian populations. Research shows that optimal BMI and weight ranges may differ by ethnicity—Asian populations may have health risks at lower weights, while some populations may be healthy at higher weights.
Where You Carry Weight: Abdominal fat (visceral fat) is more dangerous than fat stored in hips and thighs. Waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio are often better health indicators than weight alone.
Adjust your ideal weight based on your body frame size using wrist circumference measurements:
| Frame Size | Men's Wrist | Women's Wrist | Weight Adjustment | Physical Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Frame | < 6.5" (16.5 cm) | < 6.0" (15.2 cm) | Subtract 10% | Narrow shoulders, small joints, thin wrists/ankles |
| Medium Frame | 6.5" - 7.5" (16.5-19 cm) | 6.0" - 6.25" (15.2-15.9 cm) | Use base calculation | Average proportions, typical bone structure |
| Large Frame | > 7.5" (19 cm) | > 6.25" (15.9 cm) | Add 10% | Broad shoulders, large joints, thick wrists/ankles |
Quick frame size test: Wrap your thumb and middle finger around your wrist at the narrowest point. If they overlap easily, you have a small frame. If they just touch, medium frame. If they don't touch, large frame.
❌ Obsessing over a specific number: Your ideal weight is a range, not a single point. A 5 lb variation day-to-day is normal due to water retention, food intake, and other factors. Focus on staying within your healthy range rather than hitting an exact number.
❌ Ignoring body composition: A 90 kg athlete with 12% body fat is healthier than a sedentary 70 kg person with 30% body fat. The scale doesn't distinguish muscle from fat—use body fat percentage measurements for a complete picture of your health.
❌ Treating formulas as universal truth: Different formulas give different results—Devine may say 66 kg while Hamwi says 70 kg for the same height. Use the average of multiple formulas for a more balanced target.
❌ Applying adult formulas to everyone: These IBW formulas are designed for adults. Children, adolescents, pregnant women, and the elderly have different optimal weight calculations. Consult healthcare providers for these populations.
❌ Setting unrealistic timelines: Safe, sustainable weight change is 0.5-1 kg (1-2 lbs) per week. If you're 15 kg from your ideal, expect 4-6 months of steady progress, not weeks. Rapid weight loss often leads to muscle loss and metabolic slowdown.
❌ Comparing yourself to others: Two people of the same height can have vastly different healthy weights based on frame size, muscle mass, and genetics. Your ideal weight is personal—focus on your own health metrics.
See how the four major formulas calculate ideal body weight differently:
| Formula | Year Developed | Men | Women | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devine | 1974 | 68.4 kg (151 lbs) | 63.9 kg (141 lbs) | Medication dosing, most common |
| Robinson | 1983 | 67.2 kg (148 lbs) | 62.6 kg (138 lbs) | Lower increment per inch |
| Miller | 1983 | 67.5 kg (149 lbs) | 63.9 kg (141 lbs) | Higher baseline weight |
| Hamwi | 1964 | 69.6 kg (153 lbs) | 63.0 kg (139 lbs) | Original IBW formula |
| Average | — | 68.2 kg (150 lbs) | 63.4 kg (140 lbs) | Recommended target |
Formula variation: Men ±2.4 kg (5 lbs), Women ±1.3 kg (3 lbs). Using the average provides a more balanced target.
Clinical References & Sources: Devine BJ. Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intell Clin Pharm. 1974;8:650–655. Robinson JD, et al. Determination of ideal body weight for drug dosage calculations. Am J Hosp Pharm. 1983;40:1016–1019. Miller DR, et al. Estimation of lean body weight in elderly. Ann Pharmacother. 1983;17:84–89. Hamwi GJ. Therapy: Changing dietary concepts. Diabetes Mellitus: Diagnosis and Treatment. 1964:73-78. CDC Healthy Weight Guidelines. World Health Organization BMI classification. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Frame size classifications based on Metropolitan Life Insurance height-weight tables. Calculator validated January 2026.
Your ideal weight for your height can be calculated using four scientifically validated formulas, each giving slightly different results. For a 5'8" (173 cm) person: The Devine formula (most common in clinical settings) calculates 68.4 kg (151 lbs) for men and 59.0 kg (130 lbs) for women. The Robinson formula gives 65.5 kg (144 lbs) for men and 59.5 kg (131 lbs) for women. The Miller formula estimates 68.7 kg (151 lbs) for men and 62.0 kg (137 lbs) for women. The Hamwi formula calculates 69.6 kg (153 lbs) for men and 58.6 kg (129 lbs) for women. For the most accurate target, use the average of all four formulas and allow for a healthy range of ±10%. A 5'6" woman's ideal weight averages 56-62 kg (123-137 lbs), while a 5'10" man's ideal weight averages 70-77 kg (154-170 lbs). Your personal ideal also depends on body frame size—add 10% for large frames, subtract 10% for small frames.
Ideal weight calculators provide useful estimates but have notable limitations you should understand. ACCURACY FACTORS: These formulas were developed from population studies in the 1960s-1980s using primarily Caucasian populations, which may not reflect diversity in body types. They calculate based solely on height and gender, ignoring crucial factors like age (metabolism slows 2-3% per decade after 30), body frame size (small vs. large frames can differ by 10-15%), muscle mass (athletes often exceed calculated 'ideal' weight while being very healthy), bone density, and ethnic variations in body composition. BEST PRACTICES: Combine ideal weight with BMI (18.5-24.9 is healthy), body fat percentage (10-20% for men, 18-28% for women), waist-to-height ratio (should be under 0.5), and waist circumference (under 40" for men, under 35" for women per CDC guidelines). These calculators work best for setting general goals—not as definitive health indicators.
Ideal weight and healthy weight are related but distinct concepts that are often confused. IDEAL WEIGHT refers to a single calculated number based on formulas like Devine, Robinson, Miller, or Hamwi—originally developed for clinical purposes like medication dosing, not as health targets. It represents one specific point on the scale. HEALTHY WEIGHT is a range (not a single number) where your body functions optimally with lower disease risk. For most adults, a healthy weight corresponds to a BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m², which can span 15-25+ pounds depending on your height. For example, a 5'7" person has an ideal weight of approximately 66 kg (145 lbs) but a healthy weight range of 55-74 kg (121-163 lbs). KEY INSIGHT: Your healthy weight is influenced by age, body composition, fitness level, and genetics. Many healthy, active people fall outside their 'ideal' calculation. Focus on healthy weight range rather than obsessing over one number—sustainable health matters more than hitting an exact target.