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Ideal Weight Calculator

See your ideal body weight range by height using four classic formulas, alongside the healthy range based on BMI.

By Adzita Editorial Team · Updated 2026-11-03 · How we build and check our tools

What makes this page different: Instead of a single number, you get the spread across all four formulas and the BMI-based range, with an honest explanation of why "ideal weight" is only a rough guide.

The four formulas

Each formula starts from a base weight at 5 feet (60 inches, 152.4 cm) and adds a fixed amount for every extra inch of height.

FormulaMenWomen
Devine (1974)50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch
Robinson (1983)52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch
Miller (1983)56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch
Hamwi (1964)106 lb + 6 lb per inch100 lb + 5 lb per inch

Worked example: a man who is 5 ft 10 in is 10 inches over 5 ft. Devine: 50 + 2.3 × 10 = 73 kg.

Why they disagree

These equations were created for drug-dosing and clinical estimates, not as personal health goals, and they came from different populations. They also ignore frame size, muscle, age and ethnicity. That is why they can differ by several kilograms for the same person.

Use a range, not a number

  1. Look at the spread across the four formulas.
  2. Cross-check against the BMI-based healthy range for your height.
  3. If you are muscular, or from a population with different risk thresholds, give more weight to body fat, waist measurements and blood tests than to any formula.
  4. Set realistic steps with the calorie calculator.

Medical disclaimer: This tool is for education and general planning. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose any condition. If you are pregnant, under 18, have an eating-disorder history or a medical condition, speak to a doctor or registered dietitian before changing your diet or exercise.

Frequently asked questions

What is my ideal weight?

There is no single answer. A reasonable range comes from comparing several formulas with the healthy BMI range for your height.

Which ideal weight formula is best?

None is clearly best. Devine is the most widely cited; use the range across formulas.

Does ideal weight depend on age?

These formulas ignore age. Healthy weight targets can differ for older adults, so ask your clinician.

I am under 5 feet tall. Can I use this?

The formulas were designed from 5 feet upward. For shorter heights rely on the BMI-based range.

Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?

Not exactly. Healthy weight also depends on body composition, fitness and metabolic health.

BMI CalculatorBMI with WHO and Asian cut-offs, healthy weight range and waist-to-height ratio.Calorie CalculatorDaily calories, goal target and starting macros, with a simple adjust-as-you-go rule.BMR CalculatorResting energy by three formulas, side by side.Body Fat CalculatorUS Navy method estimate with fat and lean mass.

References and sources

  1. Devine BJ (1974). Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy 8:650-655.
  2. Robinson JD, et al. (1983). Determination of ideal body weight for drug dosage calculations. Am J Hosp Pharm 40:1016-1019.
  3. Miller DR, et al. (1983). Ideal body weight estimation for drug dosing. Am J Hosp Pharm 40.
  4. Hamwi GJ (1964). Therapy: changing dietary concepts. In: Diabetes Mellitus: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Diabetes Association.
  5. WHO Expert Consultation (2004). Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies. The Lancet 363:157-163. Link

Links are provided for convenience. Always check the primary source.