Ideal Weight for Height Calculator
Determine your scientifically recommended body weight range using trusted medical formulas including the Devine, Robinson, and Miller methods.
Gender affects the baseline calculation in medical formulas.
Feet
Inches
Please enter a valid height.
Healthy BMI Range
129 – 174 lbs
Based on the World Health Organization BMI standard (18.5 – 24.9).
Devine Formula
161 lbs
Robinson Formula
157 lbs
Miller Formula
155 lbs
Formula Comparison
Figure 1: Comparison of calculated ideal weights across different medical formulas.
| Method | Calculated Ideal Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 161 lbs | Standard for medication dosage. |
| Robinson (1983) | 157 lbs | Modification of Devine formula. |
| Miller (1983) | 155 lbs | Often used for estimating lean body mass. |
| Hamwi (1964) | 166 lbs | Traditional "Rule of Thumb" method. |
Table 1: Detailed breakdown of ideal weight calculation results.
What is an Ideal Weight for Height Calculator?
An ideal weight for height calculator is a specialized tool designed to estimate a healthy body weight range based on an individual's height and gender. Unlike a simple scale which only measures total mass, this calculator uses established anthropometric formulas to provide a target weight that correlates with lowest mortality rates and optimal health outcomes.
Medical professionals, nutritionists, and fitness enthusiasts use the ideal weight for height calculator to set realistic goals. However, it is important to note that "ideal" weight is a statistical estimate. It does not account for muscle mass density, bone frame size, or age. Therefore, it should be used as a guideline rather than a strict rule.
Common misconceptions include the belief that there is a single "perfect" number. In reality, a healthy weight exists within a range (typically defined by BMI) or varies slightly depending on the formula used (such as Devine or Robinson).
Ideal Weight for Height Calculator Formula and Explanation
There is no single universal formula for calculating ideal weight. Instead, several formulas have been developed over decades to refine accuracy. Our ideal weight for height calculator employs the four most cited equations alongside the BMI range.
1. The Devine Formula (1974)
Originally developed to calculate drug dosages, this is the most widely used formula for ideal body weight (IBW).
- Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg for every inch over 5 feet.
- Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for every inch over 5 feet.
2. The BMI Method
The Body Mass Index (BMI) calculates a healthy weight range rather than a specific number.
Formula: Weight (kg) = BMI × Height (m)²
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Weight | Starting weight for 5ft height | kg | 45.5 – 56.2 kg |
| Height Increment | Weight added per inch over 5ft | kg/inch | 1.36 – 2.7 kg |
| BMI Range | Healthy index standard | kg/m² | 18.5 – 24.9 |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Male, 5 feet 10 inches
Consider a 30-year-old man who is 5'10". He wants to know his target weight for a marathon.
- Input: Height: 5'10" (70 inches), Gender: Male.
- Calculation (Devine): 50 kg + (2.3 × 10 inches) = 73 kg (approx 161 lbs).
- Calculation (BMI Range): For 1.78m, healthy range is 58.5kg to 78.8kg.
- Interpretation: His "ideal" point is around 161 lbs, but anywhere between 129 lbs and 174 lbs is considered medically healthy.
Example 2: Female, 5 feet 4 inches
A woman of average height uses the ideal weight for height calculator to assess her current health status.
- Input: Height: 5'4″ (64 inches), Gender: Female.
- Calculation (Robinson): 49 kg + (1.7 × 4 inches) = 55.8 kg (approx 123 lbs).
- Interpretation: The Robinson formula suggests a target of ~123 lbs. However, due to individual body composition, a weight slightly higher or lower is perfectly normal.
How to Use This Ideal Weight for Height Calculator
- Select Your Unit: Choose between Imperial (feet/inches, pounds) or Metric (cm, kg).
- Select Your Gender: Formulas differ for men and women due to physiological differences in lean body mass.
- Enter Your Height: Be precise. Even half an inch can alter the calculation by over a pound.
- Analyze the Results: Look at the "Healthy BMI Range" for a broad target. Check the specific formulas (Devine, Miller) for a more precise statistical average.
- Copy or Save: Use the "Copy Results" button to save your data for your health records or to share with a doctor.
Key Factors That Affect Ideal Weight for Height Results
While the ideal weight for height calculator provides excellent baselines, several factors influence what your true "ideal" weight should be:
- Muscle Mass: Muscle is denser than fat. An athlete may weigh significantly more than the calculator's suggestion but be healthier than a sedentary person at the "ideal" weight.
- Bone Structure (Frame Size): People with large body frames (measured by wrist circumference) should aim for the upper end of the BMI range or add 10% to formula results.
- Age: As we age, muscle mass naturally decreases and bone density changes. Older adults often benefit from being slightly heavier than the standard "ideal" to provide a buffer against illness.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: These formulas do not apply to pregnant or breastfeeding women, who require specific weight gain trajectories.
- Hydration Levels: Daily weight fluctuations of 2-4 lbs due to water retention are normal and do not reflect changes in ideal tissue mass.
- Health History: Individuals with certain chronic conditions may have different optimal weight targets recommended by their physicians.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which formula is the most accurate?
The Devine formula is the most widely accepted in the medical community, particularly for medication dosing. However, the BMI range is the global standard for general health assessment.
2. Why does the calculator give me a range?
A single number cannot account for all body types. The range (18.5-24.9 BMI) accommodates differences in frame size and muscle mass.
3. Is the ideal weight the same as the healthy weight?
Generally, yes. "Ideal" usually refers to the statistical average for longevity, while "healthy" encompasses the broader range where disease risk is minimized.
4. Can I use this if I am a bodybuilder?
No. Bodybuilders have high muscle mass which skews BMI and standard formulas. You should rely on body fat percentage instead.
5. How often should I check my ideal weight?
Your ideal weight targets don't change unless you grow taller (unlikely for adults). You should check your actual weight against this target weekly or monthly.
6. Does the calculator work for children?
No. Children and teenagers require specialized growth charts (percentiles) provided by pediatricians.
7. Why is the male ideal weight higher than female for the same height?
Biologically, men tend to have heavier skeletal structures and greater muscle mass percentages than women.
8. What if my weight is above the ideal range?
If you are muscular, this may be fine. If the excess weight is adipose tissue (fat), consulting a healthcare provider about a weight management plan is recommended.