Stillman Height Weight Ratio Calculator
Determine your ideal body weight based on Dr. Irwin Maxwell Stillman's classic formula. This professional tool helps you calculate the "Quick Weight Loss" target weight tailored to your gender and height.
Male
Female
Dr. Stillman used distinct formulas for men and women.
Enter feet (e.g., 5).
Please enter a valid height in feet.
Enter inches (e.g., 6).
Please enter valid inches (0-11).
Optional: Used to calculate the difference from your ideal weight.
Please enter a positive weight.
Your Stillman Ideal Weight
150 lbs
Formula: Base 110 lbs + 5.5 lbs/inch over 5ft
Ideal BMI (at Target)
22.5
Healthy Range (+/- 10%)
135 – 165 lbs
Maintenance Calories
2,250 kcal/day
Figure 1: Comparison of your Current Weight vs. Stillman Ideal Weight vs. Population Average.
What is the Stillman Height Weight Ratio Calculator?
The stillman height weight ratio calculator is a specialized tool designed to compute an individual's ideal body weight based on the methodology developed by Dr. Irwin Maxwell Stillman. Originating from his famous book, "The Doctor's Quick Weight Loss Diet" (1967), this formula provides a specific target weight that is often leaner than other common formulas like the Hamwi or Mifflin-St Jeor equations.
Unlike Body Mass Index (BMI), which offers a broad range of "healthy" weights, the Stillman formula pinpoints a specific number derived strictly from height and gender. It is particularly popular among individuals seeking a lean, aesthetic physique, as well as those following low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets similar to Dr. Stillman's original protocol.
While modern health metrics consider body composition (muscle vs. fat), the Stillman height weight ratio calculator remains a valuable benchmark for setting initial weight loss goals and understanding the classic definitions of ideal weight used in medical history.
Stillman Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The calculation logic behind the stillman height weight ratio calculator is straightforward but distinct for men and women. Dr. Stillman believed that a person's frame required a base weight for the first 5 feet of height, with an incremental addition for every inch thereafter.
The Formula
For Men:
Start with 110 lbs for the first 5 feet (60 inches) of height.
Add 5.5 lbs for every inch over 5 feet.
For Women:
Start with 100 lbs for the first 5 feet (60 inches) of height.
Add 5.0 lbs for every inch over 5 feet.
Note: If an individual is under 5 feet tall, the formula is reversed: subtract the per-inch rate for every inch under 60 inches.
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Standard Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Weight | Starting weight for 5ft height | lbs | 110 (Men) / 100 (Women) |
| Height Factor | Weight added per inch | lbs/inch | 5.5 (Men) / 5.0 (Women) |
| Height Delta | Difference from 5ft | inches | Height (in) – 60 |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Average Male
Consider a man who is 5 feet 10 inches tall. He wants to know his ideal weight using the stillman height weight ratio calculator.
- Height: 5′ 10″ (70 inches)
- Base Calculation: 110 lbs for the first 5 feet.
- Additional Height: 10 inches.
- Increment: 10 inches × 5.5 lbs/inch = 55 lbs.
- Total Ideal Weight: 110 + 55 = 165 lbs.
Interpretation: According to Stillman, 165 lbs is the target weight. This is relatively lean for a 5'10" male, reflecting the "diet" focus of the methodology.
Example 2: The Petite Female
Consider a woman who is 5 feet 4 inches tall.
- Height: 5′ 4″ (64 inches)
- Base Calculation: 100 lbs for the first 5 feet.
- Additional Height: 4 inches.
- Increment: 4 inches × 5.0 lbs/inch = 20 lbs.
- Total Ideal Weight: 100 + 20 = 120 lbs.
Interpretation: Her Stillman ideal weight is 120 lbs. A standard BMI calculator might accept up to 145 lbs as "normal," highlighting that Stillman targets the lower end of the healthy weight spectrum.
How to Use This Stillman Height Weight Ratio Calculator
Follow these simple steps to get accurate results:
- Select Gender: Choose Male or Female. This is critical as the base weight differs by 10 lbs and the multiplier differs by 0.5 lbs.
- Input Height: Enter your height in feet and inches accurately. Even one inch can change the result by 5-5.5 lbs.
- Input Current Weight (Optional): Enter your current weight to see the gap between your current status and the Stillman ideal.
- Review Results: Look at the highlighted "Stillman Ideal Weight."
- Analyze Intermediates: Check the "Healthy Range" and "BMI" to ensure the goal is realistic for your frame size.
Key Factors That Affect Results
While the formula is rigid, several real-world factors influence how you should interpret your stillman height weight ratio calculator results:
- Frame Size: The Stillman formula does not account for wrist size or bone density. People with large frames (endomorphs) may find the Stillman weight unreasonably low. It is common to add 10% for large frames.
- Muscle Mass: Muscle is denser than fat. An athlete with high muscle mass might weigh significantly more than the Stillman ideal yet have a lower body fat percentage.
- Age: Metabolic rate slows with age, and muscle mass naturally decreases. Older adults might find maintaining the strict Stillman weight more difficult.
- Hydration Levels: Daily weight fluctuations of 2-4 lbs due to water retention can obscure your progress toward the specific number.
- Health History: If you have a history of eating disorders or metabolic issues, consult a doctor before aiming for the specific number produced by this calculator, as it targets a very lean physique.
- Dietary Protocol: Dr. Stillman's diet was high-protein and low-carb. The rapid water weight loss associated with such diets makes hitting these lower weight targets more feasible in the short term.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Stillman height weight ratio calculator accurate for everyone?
No formula fits everyone perfectly. The Stillman formula is known for suggesting lighter weights than other methods like the Devine or Robinson formulas. It is best used as a baseline reference for a lean physique.
Why is my Stillman ideal weight so low?
Dr. Stillman's formula was designed in the 1960s with a focus on a "thin" aesthetic and rapid weight loss. It does not heavily factor in muscle mass, often resulting in lower target weights compared to modern BMI standards.
Can I use this calculator if I am under 5 feet tall?
Yes. For heights under 5 feet, the calculator reverses the math, subtracting 5 lbs (women) or 5.5 lbs (men) for every inch under 60 inches, ensuring a consistent ratio.
How does Stillman compare to BMI?
BMI calculates a range based on a simple ratio of weight to height squared. The stillman height weight ratio calculator provides a single "ideal" number. A Stillman weight typically falls around a BMI of 20-22, which is on the lower end of the "Normal" BMI category (18.5-24.9).
Should I aim exactly for the calculated number?
Not necessarily. Treat the result as a guideline. Most health experts suggest a range of +/- 10% around the ideal weight to account for body frame variance.
Does this calculator apply to children?
No. This calculator is designed for fully developed adults (age 18+). Children and teenagers have different growth curves and require pediatric growth charts.
What is the "Healthy Range" shown in the results?
Since the Stillman formula gives a single number, we calculate a +/- 10% range to provide a more realistic window that accommodates small, medium, and large body frames.
How many calories should I eat to reach this weight?
The calculator provides an estimated "Maintenance Calories" value for your ideal weight. To lose weight, you would typically eat 500 calories less than your current maintenance level, but never below safe minimums (1200 for women, 1500 for men) without medical supervision.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Enhance your fitness journey with our suite of specialized calculators:
BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index to see if you fall within the underweight, normal, overweight, or obese categories.
Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Estimate your body composition to understand how much of your weight is fat versus lean mass.
Calorie Deficit Calculator
Determine exactly how many calories you need to cut daily to reach your Stillman ideal weight.
Ideal Weight Chart
View a comprehensive chart comparing Stillman results with Devine, Robinson, and Miller formulas.
BMR Calculator
Find your Basal Metabolic Rate to know how many calories your body burns at complete rest.
Macro Nutrient Calculator
Get a breakdown of protein, fats, and carbs tailored to your specific weight loss goals.