⚖️ Ideal Weight Calculator
Find height-based ideal body weight from Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas, plus the healthy BMI weight range for your height.
Height-Based Ideal Weight Ranges — Multiple Formulas
BrainyCalculators editorial insight — unique to this tool
Robinson, Miller, Devine, and Hamwi formulas differ by ±5 kg for same height — a 5'10" man ranges ~68–78 kg depending on formula. Frame size (wrist circumference) adjusts Broca index. These are population heuristics from insurance era, not personalized body-composition targets.
When to use this calculator
Use for rough healthy weight band by height. For current fat assessment, use BMI or Lean Body Mass.
Need body composition instead of target weight?
This page estimates height-based ideal weight. To estimate lean mass, fat mass, and protein targets from body composition formulas, use the Lean Body Mass Calculator →
| Formula | Year | Weight (kg) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devine | 1974 | — | — |
| Robinson | 1983 | — | — |
| Miller | 1983 | — | — |
| Hamwi | 1964 | — | — |
| Healthy BMI Range (18.5–24.9) | — | — | |
What is Ideal Body Weight (IBW)?
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is a height-based reference weight originally developed for clinical dosing and nutrition assessment. It is not a direct body-fat measurement and it is not meant to be a single mandatory target for every person at a given height.
This calculator compares Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas and shows the healthy BMI range for the same height. Use it when you need a clinical reference weight, a broad weight-management target, or a range to discuss with a healthcare professional.
If you want to separate fat mass from lean tissue, use the Lean Body Mass Calculator. If you want a quick weight-status category based only on height and weight, use the BMI Calculator.
The Four Formulas
How to Use This Calculator
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1Select Your GenderAll four ideal weight formulas use separate equations for males and females.
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2Enter Your HeightUse the toggle to switch between cm and ft/in. The formulas are based on height in inches above 5 feet.
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3Compare All FormulasSee results from all four formulas side by side, plus the healthy BMI weight range for your height.
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4Use the AverageThe average of all four formulas is shown as the main result and is a good general target range.
Real-World Example
Male, 175 cm (5ft 9in = 9 inches over 5ft):
How the Ideal Weight Calculator Works
Formula, assumptions, and calculation steps for this health tool.
Methodology
Health calculators use published screening formulas and common planning rules to estimate body, nutrition, pregnancy, or fitness metrics from user inputs.
Calculation Steps
- Enter the personal measurements requested by the tool.
- Convert height, weight, age, dates, or activity inputs to standard units.
- Apply the health or fitness formula for the selected metric.
- Show the estimate with practical ranges or interpretation where available.
Assumptions and Limits
- Results are educational estimates, not diagnosis or medical advice.
- Individual factors such as medication, pregnancy, and medical history can change interpretation.
- Consult a clinician for personal health decisions.
Reference basis: Common public-health and sports-science screening formulas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideal body weight (IBW) is an estimated weight target associated with good health outcomes for a given height. It was originally developed for drug dosing purposes but is widely used in nutrition and fitness as a general health target.
No single formula is universally most accurate. The Devine formula is the most widely used in clinical settings. The average of all four formulas is generally the best general-purpose estimate. Individual factors like muscle mass, bone density, and body composition are not captured by any formula.
People with larger bone frames naturally weigh more at the same height. A quick assessment: wrap your thumb and middle finger around your wrist — if they overlap you have a small frame; if they just touch, medium; if they do not touch, large frame. Add or subtract 10% from ideal weight for large or small frames.
Not exactly. The formula-based ideal weights and the BMI healthy range (18.5–24.9) often overlap but are not identical. BMI-based healthy weight is a range, while the formulas give a single point estimate. Both are useful references, but neither accounts for muscle mass or body composition.
Real-World Applications
Common Mistakes
IBW Formula Comparison for 5′10″ (178 cm) Male
| Formula | IBW (kg) | IBW (lbs) | Developed For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 72.7 kg | 160.3 lbs | Drug dosing (clinical) |
| Hamwi (1964) | 78.0 kg | 172.0 lbs | Endocrinology patients |
| Robinson (1983) | 73.9 kg | 163.0 lbs | General population |
| Miller (1983) | 71.7 kg | 158.1 lbs | General population |
| BMI 22 (mid-range) | 70.1 kg | 154.5 lbs | Population health baseline |
References
- Devine, B.J. "Gentamicin Therapy." Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy, 1974.
- Hamwi, G.J. "Therapy: Changing dietary concepts." Diabetes Mellitus: Diagnosis and Treatment, 1964.
- Robinson, J.D. et al. "Estimating body weight in patients with hepatic disease." Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 1983.
- WHO Expert Consultation. "Appropriate Body-Mass Index for Asian Populations." The Lancet, 2004.
- Pai, M.P. and Paloucek, F.P. "The origin of the 'ideal' body weight equations." Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 2000.
Related Calculators
Browse all Health calculators →BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and find out your weight category.
Body Fat Calculator
Calculate your body fat percentage using the US Navy method or BMI method.
Lean Body Mass Calculator
Calculate your lean body mass — total weight minus body fat.