Accurately determine your healthy weight range using clinically proven formulas.
Ideal Weight Calculator
Enter your details below to see your ideal body weight based on different medical standards.
Male
Female
Formulas differ significantly based on biological sex.
Imperial (Feet & Inches)
Metric (Centimeters)
Enter height in feet and inches (e.g., 5′ 9″).
Please enter a valid height.
Enter height in centimeters.
Small (-10%)
Medium (Average)
Large (+10%)
Wrist circumference is often used to estimate frame size.
Estimated Ideal Weight (Devine Formula)
— lbs
Adjusted for Medium frame
Robinson Formula (1983)—
Miller Formula (1983)—
Hamwi Formula (1964)—
Healthy BMI Range (18.5 – 25)—
Weight Comparison Analysis
Figure 1: Comparison of different ideal weight formulas vs. Healthy BMI range.
*Results are estimates based on population averages. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What is calculating ideal weight?
Calculating ideal weight is the process of using mathematical formulas to estimate a body weight that is statistically associated with maximum longevity and the lowest risk of weight-related diseases. While no single number fits everyone, calculating ideal weight provides a baseline target for health and fitness goals.
This metric is widely used by medical professionals, nutritionists, and fitness coaches to establish initial health targets. However, it is important to distinguish between "ideal weight" derived from actuarial data and a "healthy weight" that accounts for an individual's unique body composition, muscle mass, and lifestyle.
Who should use it? Anyone interested in understanding where their weight falls relative to medical averages. It is particularly useful for individuals starting a weight loss journey, athletes monitoring performance weight, or patients managing conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
Common Misconceptions: The result of calculating ideal weight is not a rigid mandate. It does not measure body fat percentage or overall metabolic health. A bodybuilder may weigh far more than their "ideal" calculated weight due to muscle mass, yet be perfectly healthy.
Calculating Ideal Weight: Formulas and Explanation
Over the decades, researchers have developed several formulas for calculating ideal weight. Each formula has slight variations but generally relies on height and gender as the primary variables. The calculator above primarily uses the **Devine Formula**, which is the standard used in pharmacology for dosing medications.
1. The Devine Formula (1974)
Originally created to calculate drug clearances, this became the most widely accepted method for calculating ideal weight.
Men: 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
2. The Hamwi Formula (1964)
Known as the "Rule of Thumb," this is often used in clinical settings for quick estimations.
Men: 106 lbs for first 5 feet + 6 lbs for each additional inch
Women: 100 lbs for first 5 feet + 5 lbs for each additional inch
Variables Table
Table 1: Key Variables in Weight Calculations
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Height
Vertical measurement of the body
cm / in
140cm – 210cm
Base Weight
Starting weight for 5ft height
kg / lbs
45kg – 50kg
Increment
Weight added per inch over 5ft
kg / lbs
2.3kg (approx 5lbs)
Frame Size
Bone structure adjustment
%
±10%
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Average Male
Consider a 30-year-old male who is 5 feet 10 inches tall with a medium frame. He wants to know his target weight range before starting a training program.
Input Height: 5′ 10″ (which is 10 inches over 5 feet)
Financial/Health Interpretation: If this individual currently weighs 200 lbs, calculating ideal weight suggests a target reduction of roughly 39 lbs to reach the statistical average for his height.
Example 2: The Petite Female
A female who is 5 feet 4 inches tall with a small body frame.
Frame Adjustment: Since she has a small frame, we reduce the result by 10%. 55.8kg – 10% ≈ 50.2kg (110 lbs).
Interpretation: Without the frame adjustment, calculating ideal weight might yield a target that feels too heavy for her bone structure. This precision helps in setting realistic dietary budgets and goals.
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these simple steps to get the most accurate result from our tool for calculating ideal weight:
Select Gender: Choose Male or Female. This changes the baseline math significantly.
Choose Units: Toggle between Imperial (Feet/Inches) or Metric (cm) based on your preference.
Enter Height: Be precise. Even half an inch affects the formula output.
Select Frame Size:
Small: Wrist size is smaller than average; fingers overlap when wrapping wrist.
Medium: Fingers just touch.
Large: Fingers do not touch; thick wrists.
Review Results: The primary result uses the Devine formula. The chart helps you visualize how this compares to a broad Healthy BMI range.
Decision Making: Use the "Copy Results" button to save this data. If your current weight is significantly above the calculated range, consider consulting a professional to discuss a caloric deficit or activity plan.
Key Factors That Affect Calculating Ideal Weight Results
When calculating ideal weight, several external and biological factors influence what the final number truly means for your health economy.
1. Muscle Mass vs. Fat Mass
Muscle is denser than fat. An athlete calculating ideal weight might find they are defined as "overweight" by these formulas despite having low body fat. This is the "financial leverage" of the body—muscle is an asset that weighs heavy but pays dividends in metabolism.
2. Age and Metabolism
As we age, bone density can decrease and body composition shifts. While the formulas don't explicitly ask for age, older adults may find that maintaining the exact weight from their 20s is neither realistic nor necessary for health.
3. Bone Density (Frame Size)
We account for this with the "Frame Size" input. A large-framed individual trying to reach a small-frame weight is like a company trying to operate with zero overhead—it is unsustainable and risky.
4. Water Retention
Daily weight fluctuations of 1-4 lbs are normal due to hydration and sodium intake. When calculating ideal weight, view the result as a median target, not a strict daily limit.
5. Health History
Previous injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions can dictate a healthy weight range that differs from the standard tables. Always prioritize functional health over a number on a scale.
6. Genetics and Ethnicity
Body proportions vary across populations. Some formulas were derived specifically from Caucasian populations in the mid-20th century and may need adjustment for other ethnicities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is calculating ideal weight the same as BMI?
No. BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple ratio of weight to height squared. Calculating ideal weight uses linear equations to suggest a specific target weight in pounds or kilograms, rather than just an index number.
Which formula is the most accurate?
The Devine formula is the most widely used in medical settings. However, the Mifflin-St Jeor equation (used for calories) and Hamwi are also respected. Our calculator presents multiple viewpoints for a rounded perspective.
Does frame size really matter?
Yes. Frame size can account for a 10-20% variance in healthy weight. Ignoring it when calculating ideal weight can lead to frustration by setting goals that are physically impossible for your skeleton.
Can I use this for children?
No. These formulas are designed for adults (18+). Children require specialized growth charts (CDC or WHO) to track development.
Why is the female calculation lower?
Biologically, men generally have greater muscle mass and bone density than women of the same height. The formulas account for this sexual dimorphism.
How often should I recalculate?
Calculating ideal weight is usually a one-time assessment unless your height changes (rare for adults) or you wish to adjust based on a changing frame perception (muscle growth).
Is being under the ideal weight healthy?
Not necessarily. Being significantly under the calculated ideal weight can impair immune function and bone health, similar to how a business with too little cash flow is vulnerable to shocks.
Does this account for pregnancy?
No. Calculating ideal weight during pregnancy requires specialized obstetric guidance to ensure proper fetal growth.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Enhance your health planning with our suite of specialized calculators:
BMI Calculator – Determine your Body Mass Index category.