Ideal Weight Calculator

Calculate Your Ideal Weight

Find your optimal weight range using 4 proven medical formulas. Each formula has different assumptions, so we show you all estimates and an average.

📏 Height (cm) 👥 Gender

💡 Note: Ideal weight varies by body composition, muscle mass, and personal health goals. These formulas provide a reference range, not an absolute target.

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Your ideal weight range will appear here

📐 The 4 Ideal Weight Formulas

Different formulas were developed at different times with different methodologies. Here's what each one assumes:

🎯 Devine Formula (1974)

How it works: Based on a reference weight for a standard height, with adjustments for each 2.54 cm (1 inch) of deviation.

Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet

Pros: Simple, widely recognized

Cons: Doesn't account for body composition or fitness level

📊 Robinson Formula (1983)

How it works: An updated version of Devine that uses slightly different coefficients for more modern populations.

Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg for each inch over 5 feet
Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg for each inch over 5 feet

Pros: Accounts for modern body composition trends

Cons: Still generic by population standards

🔍 Miller Formula (1983)

How it works: Empirically derived from contemporary population data to more accurately reflect modern healthy weight ranges.

Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg for each inch over 5 feet
Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg for each inch over 5 feet

Pros: Based on modern population data

Cons: May be slightly low for muscular individuals

✅ Hamwi Formula (1964)

How it works: One of the earliest formulas, based on basic height-weight relationships without adjusting for different body types.

Men: 48 kg + 2.7 kg for each inch over 5 feet
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg for each inch over 5 feet

Pros: Accounts for gender differences well

Cons: Might be slightly higher than other formulas

🎯 Understanding Healthy Weight Range

Your ideal weight depends on multiple factors beyond just the formulas:

Body Composition: Muscle weighs more than fat. Two people with the same ideal weight might look very different.
Bone Structure: Frame size (small, medium, large) affects your ideal weight range by ±10%.
Age & Metabolism: Healthy weight can vary by age. Metabolism changes over time.
Fitness Goals: Athletic individuals may be heavier than formula suggests due to muscle mass.
Health History: Individual health conditions may require weight adjustments beyond formulas.

💡 Why Formulas Differ

You might notice significant differences between formulas. Here's why:

Population Differences: Early formulas (1960s-70s) were based on different populations than later ones (1980s+).
Body Composition Trends: Average body composition has changed over decades. Modern formulas account for this.
Different Methodologies: Some formulas aimed for "average" while others aimed for "healthy optimal".
Gender Considerations: Different formulas weight gender differences differently.

Recommendation: Use the average of all formulas as a target range rather than a specific number. Aim for the middle of your calculated range for best results.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which formula is the most accurate?

There's no single "best" formula. The average of all 4 provides a good estimate. Miller and Robinson (both 1983) are often considered most accurate for modern populations since they account for recent body composition trends.

What if my weight is outside the calculated range?

Don't worry! These ranges are estimates. Consult your doctor or a certified fitness professional. If you're healthy, have good energy levels, and feel good, you're likely in a healthy weight range even if it differs from the formula.

How does muscle affect ideal weight?

Muscle weighs more than fat. If you exercise regularly and build muscle mass, your ideal weight might be higher than formula-suggested. Use other metrics like body fat percentage or how you look/feel to complement these calculations.

Should my ideal weight be different if I'm very tall or very short?

Yes, formulas work best for heights between 152-193 cm (5'0" - 6'4"). For heights outside this range, consult a healthcare provider as formulas become less accurate at extreme heights.

How often should I check my ideal weight?

Once you calculate it, your ideal weight range doesn't change unless you grow (unlikely for adults) or your health goals change significantly. Focus on consistent healthy behaviors rather than chasing specific numbers.