Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?

No single formula is definitively best. The Devine formula is used most often in clinical settings, but it was originally designed for drug dosage calculations. Using the average of all four formulas gives you a reasonable target range.

Should I aim for my ideal weight?

Ideal weight formulas provide a general guide, not a strict target. Factors like muscle mass, bone density, and body frame are not accounted for. A healthy BMI range (18.5-24.9) and a comfortable body fat percentage are often better targets.

Why are the ideal weight formulas different?

Each formula was developed at different times using different study populations. Devine (1974) and Hamwi (1964) tend to give higher estimates, while Miller (1983) gives lower values. Robinson (1983) falls in between.

Does frame size affect ideal weight?

Yes. People with larger frames (wider wrists, broader shoulders) naturally weigh more. Add 10% to the calculated ideal weight for large frames and subtract 10% for small frames as a rough adjustment.

Ideal Weight Calculator

There is no single "ideal" weight - it depends on your height, frame size, muscle mass, and overall health. This calculator uses four well-known medical formulas to give you a range of ideal body weights, helping you set a realistic and healthy goal.

Enter Your Details

Gender

Height

How It Works

Each formula estimates ideal weight from height and gender. The Devine formula (1974) is the most widely used: Men = 50 + 2.3 x (height in inches - 60); Women = 45.5 + 2.3 x (height in inches - 60). Robinson (1983), Miller (1983), and Hamwi (1964) use similar approaches with different coefficients, giving you a range rather than a single number.

Quick Reference

Height (cm)	Men (kg)	Women (kg)
155	51-58	46-54
160	54-62	49-57
165	57-66	52-60
170	61-69	55-63
175	64-73	58-66
180	67-77	61-70
185	71-80	64-73
190	74-84	67-76
195	77-88	70-80
200	81-91	74-83

Ranges show the spread across all four formulas. Individual ideal weight depends on frame size and body composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?: No single formula is definitively best. The Devine formula is used most often in clinical settings, but it was originally designed for drug dosage calculations. Using the average of all four formulas gives you a reasonable target range.
Should I aim for my ideal weight?: Ideal weight formulas provide a general guide, not a strict target. Factors like muscle mass, bone density, and body frame are not accounted for. A healthy BMI range (18.5-24.9) and a comfortable body fat percentage are often better targets.
Why are the ideal weight formulas different?: Each formula was developed at different times using different study populations. Devine (1974) and Hamwi (1964) tend to give higher estimates, while Miller (1983) gives lower values. Robinson (1983) falls in between.
Does frame size affect ideal weight?: Yes. People with larger frames (wider wrists, broader shoulders) naturally weigh more. Add 10% to the calculated ideal weight for large frames and subtract 10% for small frames as a rough adjustment.

Ideal Weight Formulas

Devine: Men = 50 + 2.3 x (H_in - 60) | Women = 45.5 + 2.3 x (H_in - 60) Robinson: Men = 52 + 1.9 x (H_in - 60) | Women = 49 + 1.7 x (H_in - 60) Miller: Men = 56.2 + 1.41 x (H_in - 60) | Women = 53.1 + 1.36 x (H_in - 60) Hamwi: Men = 48.0 + 2.7 x (H_in - 60) | Women = 45.5 + 2.2 x (H_in - 60)

H_in: = height in inches (cm / 2.54)

All formulas give weight in kilograms. Results are most relevant for heights between 152 cm (5'0") and 198 cm (6'6"). Add or subtract 10% for large or small frames.

Related Tools

BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index using metric measurements (kg and cm) to check if your weight is in a healthy range.

Body Fat Percentage Calculator

Estimate your body fat percentage using the US Navy method with neck, waist, and hip measurements.

Weight Loss Calculator

Calculate how long it will take to reach your goal weight. See weekly milestones and the daily calorie target needed.

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual results may vary based on factors not captured by these formulas. Consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially if you have any existing health conditions.