Determine your ideal body weight and BMI using medically standard formulas.
Calculate Your Ideal Weight
Enter your height without shoes.
Please enter a valid height.
Used to calculate your current BMI.
Please enter a valid weight.
Estimated Ideal Body Weight (Devine Formula)
166 lbs
Based on standard medical formula for males
Healthy Weight Range (BMI 18.5 – 24.9)
129 – 174 lbs
Your Current BMI
25.1
Weight Status
Overweight
Figure 1: Comparison of your current weight vs. healthy BMI range and ideal weight.
Detailed Formula Breakdown
Formula / Metric
Result
Description
Table 1: Results from various medical weight formulas.
What is a Male Height to Weight Calculator?
A male height to weight calculator is a specialized tool designed to estimate the ideal body weight (IBW) for men based on their height. Unlike generic weight charts, these calculators often utilize specific medical formulas—such as the Devine, Robinson, or Miller equations—that were developed to determine appropriate medication dosages but have become standard benchmarks for assessing healthy body mass.
This tool is essential for men looking to understand where they stand in relation to medical averages. Whether you are an athlete, someone managing a health condition, or simply tracking fitness goals, knowing your ideal weight range provides a baseline for decision-making. However, it is a common misconception that a single number represents "health." Instead, these calculators provide a range and a target based on statistical averages for the male population.
Male Height to Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
There is no single "perfect" formula for weight, but the medical community relies on several established equations. The most widely used for men is the Devine Formula (1974).
The Devine Formula
Originally designed to calculate clearance of drugs like gentamicin, this formula is now the standard for Ideal Body Weight (IBW).
Formula (Metric): IBW = 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg × (Height in inches – 60)
Formula (Imperial): IBW = 110.23 lbs + 5.07 lbs × (Height in inches – 60)
Variables Table
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Base Weight
Starting weight for a 5ft male
kg / lbs
50kg / 110lbs
Height Factor
Weight added per inch over 5ft
kg / lbs
2.3kg / 5.1lbs
Height
Total vertical stature
inches / cm
60 – 80 inches
Table 2: Variables used in the Devine IBW calculation.
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 medically ideal weight.
Input Height: 70 inches
Base Calculation: Height over 5ft = 10 inches.
Math: 50 kg + (2.3 kg × 10) = 73 kg.
Conversion: 73 kg ≈ 161 lbs.
Result: John's ideal weight according to the Devine formula is approximately 161 lbs.
Example 2: The Taller Individual
Scenario: Michael is 6 feet 3 inches tall (75 inches).
Input Height: 75 inches
Base Calculation: Height over 5ft = 15 inches.
Math: 50 kg + (2.3 kg × 15) = 84.5 kg.
Conversion: 84.5 kg ≈ 186 lbs.
Result: Michael's ideal weight target is roughly 186 lbs.
How to Use This Male Height to Weight Calculator
Select Your Unit System: Choose between Imperial (Feet/Inches, Pounds) or Metric (Centimeters, Kilograms) using the toggle at the top.
Enter Your Height: Input your accurate height. If using Imperial, ensure you split feet and inches correctly (e.g., 5 ft, 10 in).
Enter Current Weight: Input your current weight to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) alongside your ideal weight.
Review the Results:
The Highlighted Result shows your Ideal Body Weight based on the Devine formula.
The Healthy Range shows the weight span corresponding to a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9.
The Chart visualizes where your current weight falls compared to the healthy zone.
Key Factors That Affect Male Height to Weight Results
While the male height to weight calculator provides a mathematical baseline, several biological and lifestyle factors influence what your true "healthy" weight should be.
Muscle Mass: Muscle tissue is denser than fat. An athletic male with high muscle mass may weigh significantly more than the "ideal" formula suggests but still be healthy with a low body fat percentage.
Bone Density (Frame Size): Men with larger skeletal frames (broad shoulders, thick wrists) naturally weigh more. The Devine formula assumes a medium frame; small or large frames may require a ±10% adjustment.
Age: Metabolism slows and body composition changes with age. Older adults often carry slightly more weight, which can sometimes be protective against frailty, though excess visceral fat remains a risk.
Body Fat Distribution: Where you carry weight matters. Abdominal fat (visceral fat) is a higher health risk than subcutaneous fat. Two men of the same height and weight can have vastly different health profiles based on waist circumference.
Hydration Levels: Daily weight can fluctuate by several pounds due to water retention, salt intake, and hydration status, affecting daily measurements against the calculated ideal.
Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications can influence fluid retention or metabolic rate, making the standard formulas less applicable without doctor supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Devine formula accurate for bodybuilders?
No. The Devine formula does not account for muscle mass. Bodybuilders will often be classified as "overweight" or "obese" by these formulas despite having low body fat. Body composition analysis is better for athletes.
What is the difference between BMI and Ideal Body Weight?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a ratio of weight to height used to screen for weight categories. Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is a specific target weight derived from actuarial data and medical dosing formulas.
Does this calculator apply to teenagers?
This calculator is designed for adult males (18+). Children and teenagers are still growing, and their weight should be assessed using pediatric growth charts.
Why do different formulas give different results?
Formulas like Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi were developed using different datasets and for slightly different medical purposes. Devine is the most commonly accepted standard for men.
What if my weight is outside the healthy range?
Being outside the range doesn't automatically mean you are unhealthy. Consult a healthcare provider to assess other metrics like blood pressure, cholesterol, and waist circumference.
How often should I check my height to weight ratio?
Checking once a month is sufficient for most people. Daily fluctuations are normal and shouldn't be a cause for concern.
Does frame size matter?
Yes. The standard formulas assume a medium frame. If you have a large frame, your ideal weight might be 10% higher; for a small frame, 10% lower.
Is 50kg really the base weight for a 5ft male?
Yes, in the Devine formula, 50kg is the intercept. For every inch of height added, weight increases proportionally. This is a statistical baseline, not a biological absolute.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
BMI Calculator – A dedicated tool for calculating Body Mass Index categories.