Calculate My Ideal Weight
Determine your healthy weight range using medically standard formulas
Feet
Inches
Please enter a valid height.
Please enter a positive weight.
Estimated Ideal Body Weight (IBW)
165 lbs
Based on the Devine Formula (1974)
Healthy BMI Range Weight
135 – 170 lbs
Difference from Current
-15 lbs
Body Mass Index (BMI)
26.6
Detailed Formula Comparison
| Formula Name | Calculated Ideal Weight | Target |
|---|
Weight Analysis Chart
Comparison of your current weight vs. various ideal weight standards.
What is "Calculate My Ideal Weight"?
When people search to "calculate my ideal weight," they are typically looking for a medically established benchmark for body weight based on height and gender. Unlike a simple opinion, the Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is a concept used by medical professionals to determine dosages for medications and to assess nutritional needs.
This tool helps individuals set realistic fitness goals. However, it is a common misconception that there is one single "perfect" number. In reality, ideal weight is a range that depends on muscle mass, bone density (frame size), and age. This calculator uses four distinct medical formulas to provide a comprehensive view of where your weight might optimally sit.
Calculate My Ideal Weight: Formulas and Mathematical Explanation
To accurately calculate my ideal weight, we employ several historical formulas. Each was developed for specific medical purposes but serves as a solid baseline for general health.
The most common method is the Devine Formula (1974), originally created to calculate medication dosages. The math assumes a base weight for a height of 5 feet, adding weight for every inch thereafter.
The Formulas
| Formula | Gender | Equation (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Devine | Male | 110 lbs + 5.06 lbs × (Height in inches – 60) |
| Devine | Female | 100.3 lbs + 5.06 lbs × (Height in inches – 60) |
| Robinson | Male | 114.6 lbs + 4.18 lbs × (Height in inches – 60) |
| Miller | Male | 123.9 lbs + 3.10 lbs × (Height in inches – 60) |
Variable Definitions
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Weight | Starting weight for 5ft height | lbs / kg | 100 – 123 lbs |
| Increment | Weight added per inch over 5ft | lbs | 3.0 – 5.5 lbs |
| Height | Total vertical height | inches | 58 – 80 inches |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
To better understand how to interpret the results when you calculate my ideal weight, let's look at two distinct scenarios.
Example 1: The Average Male
Input: A 35-year-old male who is 5 feet 10 inches tall and currently weighs 200 lbs.
- Devine Formula Result: Approximately 161 lbs.
- BMI Range: 129 lbs to 174 lbs (for normal BMI of 18.5-25).
- Interpretation: The subject is currently above the ideal range. The "financial interpretation" of his health suggests a higher risk premium for life insurance and potential long-term medical costs associated with being overweight. A target of 174 lbs (upper BMI limit) would be a realistic initial goal.
Example 2: The Tall Female
Input: A female who is 5 feet 8 inches tall.
- Robinson Formula Result: Approximately 139 lbs.
- Miller Formula Result: Approximately 143 lbs.
- Interpretation: Different formulas yield slight variances. If this individual has a larger bone structure, the Miller formula (which tends to be more generous) might be the better target. If she aims to calculate my ideal weight for athletic performance, the lower end of the BMI scale might be more appropriate.
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to effectively calculate my ideal weight using the tool above:
- Select Gender: Men and women carry muscle and fat differently, altering the base calculation.
- Enter Height: Input your height accurately in feet and inches. This is the most critical variable.
- Enter Current Weight: This is optional but useful for calculating the "difference" or gap between your current state and the ideal.
- Review the Main Result: The large highlighted number uses the Devine formula, the industry standard.
- Analyze the Table: Look at the Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi results to see a range of possibilities.
- Check the Chart: Visualize where your current weight stands compared to the "Ideal" benchmarks.
Key Factors That Affect Ideal Weight Results
When you calculate my ideal weight, the number on the screen is a statistical average. Real-world application requires considering these six factors:
- Muscle Mass: Muscle is denser than fat. An athlete may calculate my ideal weight and find they are "overweight" by formula standards, despite having low body fat.
- Bone Frame Size: Wrist circumference is often used to measure frame size. Large-framed individuals should aim for the upper limits of the IBW or BMI range.
- Age: Metabolism slows with age. While the formulas don't explicitly ask for age, older adults often carry slightly more weight which can be protective against frailty.
- Health History: Previous injuries or conditions may dictate a different "ideal" that supports your specific recovery or mobility needs.
- Body Fat Percentage: This is a more accurate metric of health than weight alone. Two people can calculate my ideal weight and get the same result, but have vastly different health profiles.
- Fluid Retention: Daily weight fluctuates based on hydration and salt intake. Never treat a single weigh-in as definitive; look for trends over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Does this calculator apply to children?
- No. Children and teenagers are still growing. To calculate my ideal weight for a minor, you must use pediatric growth charts (CDC percentiles).
- 2. Why are there so many different formulas?
- Different researchers (Devine, Robinson, etc.) analyzed different population data sets at different times. No single formula fits every human body type perfectly.
- 3. Which formula is the most accurate?
- The Devine formula is the most widely used in medical settings, particularly for dosing medications. However, the BMI range is often the most practical for general health assessment.
- 4. Is being under the ideal weight bad?
- Yes. Being significantly underweight carries health risks such as weakened immune function and osteoporosis. "Ideal" implies a balance, not "as low as possible."
- 5. How often should I calculate my ideal weight?
- Your ideal weight target generally doesn't change unless you grow taller. However, checking your progress against it can be done weekly.
- 6. Can I adjust the result for my body type?
- Yes. If you have a "Large Frame," add 10% to the calculated result. If you have a "Small Frame," subtract 10%.
- 7. Does muscle weigh more than fat?
- A pound is a pound, but muscle is much denser. It takes up less space. Therefore, a muscular person will weigh more than a non-muscular person of the same size.
- 8. What if I am far from my ideal weight?
- Don't be discouraged. Use the calculator to set incremental goals. Losing even 5-10% of excess body weight yields significant health benefits.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Enhance your health journey with our other specialized calculators:
- BMI Calculator – Determine your Body Mass Index category.
- Weight Loss Strategy Guide – Practical tips for reaching your goals.
- Devine Formula Deep Dive – Learn the history behind the math.
- Daily Calorie Estimator – Find out how much you should eat to maintain or lose weight.
- Healthy Eating Plans – Meal plans to support your ideal weight.
- Body Composition Analysis – Understanding fat vs. muscle mass.