Estimate your ideal body weight using the Devine formula, designed to provide a quick health benchmark.
Devine Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Enter your height in feet (e.g., 5 for 5 feet).
Enter your height in inches (e.g., 10 for 10 inches).
Male
Female
Select your biological sex to apply the correct formula.
Your Ideal Body Weight Estimate
—kg
Formula Used: Devine Formula
Height Input:—
Sex Used:—
Base Weight:— kg
Additional Weight Per Inch:— kg
Ideal Weight Range by Height
Devine Formula Components
Formula Variables and Coefficients
Sex
Base Weight (kg)
Weight Per Inch (kg)
Male
50
2.3
Female
45.5
2.3
What is Devine Ideal Body Weight Calculator?
The Devine Ideal Body Weight calculator is a straightforward tool used to estimate a person's healthy weight range based on their height and sex. Developed by Dr. Robert L. Devine, this method provides a simplified guideline for assessing whether an individual's weight falls within an acceptable range relative to their stature. It's important to understand that this calculator offers an *estimate* and not a definitive medical diagnosis. The Devine ideal body weight calculation is a popular method because of its simplicity and historical usage in clinical settings.
Who should use it?
This devine ideal body weight calculator is useful for a broad audience, including:
Individuals seeking a quick benchmark for their weight relative to their height.
Healthcare professionals looking for a simple reference point.
Anyone curious about general health metrics.
Common Misconceptions
A significant misconception is that the ideal body weight is the *only* healthy weight. In reality, a healthy weight range can be quite broad, influenced by factors like muscle mass, bone density, and body composition. The Devine ideal body weight, while a useful metric, doesn't account for these individual differences. It's also not a substitute for personalized medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
Devine Ideal Body Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The Devine ideal body weight formula is a linear equation that calculates an estimated ideal weight based on sex and height. It consists of a base weight for a certain height (typically 5 feet) and an additional weight for every inch above that base height.
The formulas are as follows:
For Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
For Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
Step-by-Step Derivation:
Determine the individual's sex (Male or Female). This dictates the base weight.
Convert the individual's total height into feet and inches.
Calculate the number of inches that exceed 5 feet (60 inches).
Multiply this excess number of inches by the weight per inch (2.3 kg).
Add the result from step 4 to the base weight corresponding to the individual's sex.
Variable Explanations:
Base Weight: The starting weight in kilograms for a person of the specified sex at exactly 5 feet tall.
Weight Per Inch: The additional kilograms added for every inch of height above 5 feet.
Excess Inches: The total height in inches minus 60 inches (the number of inches in 5 feet).
Variables Table
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Height (Total)
Individual's total height
Inches
24 (Infant) – 96 (Very Tall Adult)
Excess Inches
Height in inches over 5 feet (60 inches)
Inches
0 to > 48
Sex
Biological sex of the individual
Categorical
Male, Female
Base Weight (Male)
Starting weight for males at 5 feet
kg
50
Base Weight (Female)
Starting weight for females at 5 feet
kg
45.5
Weight Per Inch
Additional weight per inch over 5 feet
kg/inch
2.3
Ideal Body Weight
Estimated healthy weight
kg
Varies greatly by height
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Understanding the Devine ideal body weight calculation can be illuminated through practical examples:
Example 1: A Man of Average Height
Scenario: John is a man who is 5 feet 10 inches tall.
Height: 5′ 10″ = 70 inches
Sex: Male
Excess Inches: 70 inches – 60 inches = 10 inches
Calculation for Men: 50 kg + (10 inches * 2.3 kg/inch) = 50 kg + 23 kg = 73 kg
Result: John's estimated ideal body weight is 73 kg. This provides a benchmark for his weight management goals, helping him understand if he's within a generally accepted healthy range for his height and sex.
Example 2: A Woman of Shorter Height
Scenario: Sarah is a woman who is 5 feet 2 inches tall.
Height: 5′ 2″ = 62 inches
Sex: Female
Excess Inches: 62 inches – 60 inches = 2 inches
Calculation for Women: 45.5 kg + (2 inches * 2.3 kg/inch) = 45.5 kg + 4.6 kg = 50.1 kg
Result: Sarah's estimated ideal body weight is approximately 50.1 kg. This helps Sarah contextualize her current weight and discuss potential health objectives with her physician.
How to Use This Devine Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Our Devine Ideal Body Weight calculator is designed for ease of use, providing instant results with minimal input. Follow these simple steps:
Input Height: Enter your height first in feet (e.g., 5) and then in inches (e.g., 9).
Select Sex: Choose "Male" or "Female" from the dropdown menu. This is crucial as the formula differs slightly for each sex.
Calculate: Click the "Calculate Ideal Weight" button.
How to Read Results:
The primary result will display your estimated ideal body weight in kilograms (kg).
You will also see intermediate values such as the base weight used and the additional weight calculated per excess inch, along with the total height and sex input used.
The chart provides a visual representation of ideal weights for various heights, allowing you to see where your calculated value fits.
The table breaks down the exact coefficients used in the Devine formula for both men and women.
Decision-Making Guidance:
Use the calculated ideal body weight as a reference point. It's not a rigid target but rather a guideline. If your current weight is significantly different from the estimated ideal body weight, it might be a good time to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help you understand your overall health, body composition, and set realistic, personalized weight management goals. Remember, sustainable health involves more than just a number on the scale.
Key Factors That Affect Devine Ideal Body Weight Results
While the Devine ideal body weight calculator provides a useful estimate, several factors influence how this number relates to an individual's actual health and body composition:
Muscle Mass: Muscular individuals may weigh more than their "ideal" weight but have a lower body fat percentage and be perfectly healthy. The Devine formula doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle.
Bone Density: People with denser bones will naturally weigh more. This formula doesn't account for skeletal frame size.
Body Composition: The ratio of lean mass to fat mass is a critical health indicator. Two people of the same height and weight can have vastly different health profiles based on their body composition.
Age: Metabolic rates and body composition can change with age. The Devine formula is a static calculation and doesn't adjust for age-related physiological changes.
Genetics: Genetic predisposition plays a role in body frame, metabolism, and weight distribution. What's "ideal" for one person might not be optimal for another with a different genetic makeup.
Ethnicity: Different ethnic groups can have variations in body frame, bone density, and fat distribution, which aren't factored into this generalized formula.
Overall Health Status: Medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices (diet, exercise) significantly impact weight and health, none of which are captured by this simple height-based calculation.
Pregnancy and Lactation: These physiological states significantly alter a woman's healthy weight range, which the Devine formula does not address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the Devine ideal body weight the same for men and women?
No, the Devine formula uses different base weights for men (50 kg) and women (45.5 kg) due to general physiological differences, though the weight added per inch of height is the same (2.3 kg).
Q2: Can the Devine ideal body weight calculator be used for children?
The Devine formula was developed for adults. It is not intended for children, whose growth and development require different assessment methods.
Q3: What is the typical range for "excess inches"?
Excess inches are the number of inches above 5 feet (60 inches). So, for someone 5'10" (70 inches), the excess inches are 10. For someone 6'0″ (72 inches), the excess inches are 12. A person shorter than 5 feet would have 0 excess inches according to this specific calculation method.
Q4: Is the Devine formula accurate for very tall or very short individuals?
The formula's accuracy may decrease at extreme heights. It's a generalization and might not perfectly reflect optimal weight for individuals significantly outside the average height range.
Q5: Should I worry if my current weight is different from the Devine ideal body weight?
Not necessarily. The Devine ideal body weight is a guideline, not a strict rule. Factors like muscle mass and bone density play a significant role. It's more important to focus on overall health, diet, exercise, and consult with a healthcare professional.
Q6: Does this calculator account for body fat percentage?
No, the Devine ideal body weight calculator does not take body fat percentage into account. It's purely based on height and sex.
Q7: What are other methods for calculating ideal body weight?
Other popular methods include the BMI (Body Mass Index), Hamwi formula, Robinson formula, and Miller formula, each with its own set of inputs and complexities.
Q8: How often should I recalculate my Devine ideal body weight?
Your ideal body weight, according to this formula, doesn't change unless your height changes (which is unlikely after adulthood). You might recalculate it if you're curious or using it as a reference, but your actual weight and health status are more dynamic.
Q9: Can I use this tool to determine if I am underweight or overweight?
Yes, the calculated Devine ideal body weight serves as a reference. If your current weight is significantly above or below this number, it may indicate you fall outside the typical healthy range and warrant a discussion with a medical professional.