Determine your ideal body weight and healthy BMI range accurately.
Male
Female
Gender affects lean body mass calculations.
Imperial (Feet/Inches)
Metric (Centimeters)
Please enter a valid height in feet.
Please enter inches between 0 and 11.
Enter your height in cm (e.g., 175).
Please enter a valid height in cm.
Estimated Ideal Weight (Devine Formula)
161 lbs
Based on Dr. B.J. Devine's 1974 medical formula
Healthy BMI Min Weight
125 lbs
Healthy BMI Max Weight
169 lbs
Alternative (Robinson)
158 lbs
Figure 1: Comparison of Minimum Healthy Weight, Ideal Weight (Devine), and Maximum Healthy Weight for your height.
BMI Category Reference Table
Classification
BMI Range (kg/m²)
Health Indication
Underweight
< 18.5
Risk of nutritional deficiency
Normal Weight
18.5 – 24.9
Lowest risk of comorbidity
Overweight
25.0 – 29.9
Increased risk of health issues
Obesity (Class I)
30.0 – 34.9
High risk
Table 1: Standard Body Mass Index (BMI) categories used by the World Health Organization.
What is an Average Weight for Height Calculator?
An Average Weight for Height Calculator is a specialized health tool designed to estimate the optimal body mass for an individual based on their vertical stature and gender. Unlike a simple scale which only provides a raw number, this calculator contextualizes weight to help users understand where they stand in relation to medical standards of health.
This tool is essential for anyone monitoring their fitness journey, assessing nutritional needs, or setting realistic health goals. It is primarily used by medical professionals, dietitians, and fitness enthusiasts to establish a baseline for "Ideal Body Weight" (IBW).
Common Misconceptions: Many people believe there is a single "perfect" weight. In reality, a healthy weight is a range. This calculator provides a specific "ideal" number based on population equations (like the Devine formula) but also presents the broader "Healthy BMI" range to account for differences in body composition.
Average Weight for Height Formula and Mathematical Explanation
Determining the average weight for height relies on established pharmacological formulas. The most widely accepted method for calculating Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is the Devine Formula (1974). This formula was originally developed to calculate drug dosages but became the standard for weight assessment.
The Devine Formula
The logic differs slightly for men and women due to physiological differences in lean body mass:
Men: IBW = 50 kg + 2.3 kg × (Height in inches – 60)
Women: IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg × (Height in inches – 60)
BMI Weight Range Formula
To calculate the range of healthy weights based on Body Mass Index (BMI), we reverse the BMI equation:
Weight = BMI × (Height in meters)²
Variables Table
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
IBW
Ideal Body Weight
kg / lbs
45 – 100 kg
Height (in)
Height in inches
inches
58 – 84 inches
Base Weight
Starting constant
kg
50 (M) / 45.5 (F)
BMI
Body Mass Index
kg/m²
18.5 – 24.9 (Healthy)
Table 2: Key mathematical variables used in weight calculations.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Average Male
Scenario: John is 5 feet 10 inches tall (70 inches). He wants to know his ideal weight to prepare for a marathon.
Input Height: 70 inches (10 inches over 5 feet).
Calculation (Devine): 50 kg + (2.3 × 10) = 73 kg.
Conversion: 73 kg × 2.20462 = 161 lbs.
Financial/Health Interpretation: John aims for ~161 lbs. This reduces joint stress, potentially lowering long-term medical costs associated with knee injuries.
Example 2: The Petite Female
Scenario: Sarah is 5 feet 2 inches tall (62 inches). She is assessing her insurance risk profile.
Input Height: 62 inches (2 inches over 5 feet).
Calculation (Devine): 45.5 kg + (2.3 × 2) = 50.1 kg.
Conversion: 50.1 kg × 2.20462 = ~110 lbs.
Result: Her ideal calculated weight is 110 lbs. However, her healthy BMI range extends up to roughly 136 lbs, giving her flexibility.
How to Use This Average Weight for Height Calculator
Select Gender: Choose Male or Female. This adjusts the base constant in the formula (50kg vs 45.5kg).
Choose Unit System: Toggle between Imperial (Feet/Inches) or Metric (cm) based on your preference.
Enter Height: Input your accurate height. For imperial, break it down into feet and inches (e.g., 5 ft 9 in).
Analyze Results:
The Primary Result shows the specific "Ideal" weight based on the Devine formula.
The Sub-results show the minimum and maximum weight to stay within a healthy BMI (18.5 – 24.9).
Use the Copy Button: Save your results to share with a doctor or trainer.
Key Factors That Affect Average Weight for Height Results
While formulas provide a mathematical baseline, several real-world factors influence what your specific "average" or healthy weight should be. Understanding these can help you make better financial decisions regarding health insurance and grocery budgeting.
1. Muscle Mass vs. Fat
Muscle is denser than fat. An athlete may weigh more than the calculator suggests but be perfectly healthy. High muscle mass increases metabolic rate but may skew simple weight-for-height metrics.
2. Bone Structure (Frame Size)
People with larger bone structures (large frame) naturally weigh more. The Devine formula assumes a medium frame. Small-framed individuals might aim for 10% less, while large-framed individuals might aim for 10% more.
3. Age
Metabolism slows with age. While the "ideal" weight formula doesn't change, maintaining that weight becomes harder and often requires financial investment in higher quality nutrition or healthcare support.
4. Gender Physiology
Men typically have more lean mass and heavier skeletons than women of the same height, which is why the base calculation starts 4.5kg higher for men.
5. Health Conditions
Conditions like thyroid issues or water retention can fluctuate weight significantly. In these cases, the "average" weight serves as a target for management rather than an immediate rule.
6. Pregnancy and Lactation
This calculator does not apply to pregnant or breastfeeding women, as nutritional requirements and healthy weight gain trajectories differ completely during these periods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the average weight the same as the ideal weight?
Not necessarily. "Average" often refers to the statistical mean of a population, which may be overweight in many countries. "Ideal" weight refers to the medically recommended weight for optimal longevity.
2. Why does the calculator give a specific number?
It uses the Devine Formula to provide a single target point, which is useful for setting specific goals. However, you should always look at the Healthy BMI Range for a broader, more flexible target.
3. How does height affect weight exponentially?
Taller individuals have more volume. Weight increases with the square of height in BMI calculations, meaning a small increase in height leads to a significant increase in healthy weight allowance.
4. Can I use this for children?
No. Children and teenagers require specialized growth charts (CDC or WHO percentiles) because their body composition changes rapidly during development.
5. Does this calculator account for muscle?
No simple weight-for-height calculator can directly measure muscle mass. If you are a bodybuilder, use Body Fat Percentage tools instead.
6. How often should I weigh myself?
Weekly weighing is generally recommended over daily weighing to avoid obsessing over normal water weight fluctuations.
7. What if my weight is above the range?
Being above the range indicates a BMI > 25. Consult a healthcare professional to determine if this is due to excess body fat or muscle mass.
8. Are these formulas used by insurance companies?
Yes. Life insurance actuaries often use similar tables to determine risk premiums. Maintaining a weight within the healthy range can financially benefit you through lower premiums.