Find your Ideal Body Weight (IBW) and Healthy BMI Range
Male
Female
Biological sex affects body composition formulas.
4 ft
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Select your height in feet and inches.
Small (-10%)
Medium (Average)
Large (+10%)
Adjusts calculations for bone structure.
Healthy Weight Range (BMI 18.5 – 24.9)
129 – 174 lbs
Based on the standard World Health Organization (WHO) BMI classification.
Hamwi Formula (1964)
166 lbs
Devine Formula (1974)
161 lbs
Robinson Formula (1983)
159 lbs
Breakdown of Ideal Body Weight Calculations
Method / Formula
Estimated Weight (lbs)
Estimated Weight (kg)
Comparison of Healthy BMI Minimum, Maximum, and Formula Averages
What is an Average Weight for Height Calculator?
An average weight for height calculator is a tool designed to estimate a healthy body weight range based on specific anthropometric data such as height, gender, and frame size. Unlike a simple scale which tells you your current mass, this calculator uses medically established formulas to determine what is often referred to as "Ideal Body Weight" (IBW).
This tool is useful for individuals looking to set fitness goals, medical professionals calculating medication dosages, and anyone interested in understanding where their weight falls within standardized health guidelines. It is important to note that "average" or "ideal" weight is a statistical estimation and does not account for muscle mass, bone density variations, or overall body composition without further context.
Common misconceptions include the belief that there is a single "perfect" weight. In reality, a healthy weight exists on a spectrum, which is why our calculator provides both a BMI-based range and specific values from historical medical formulas like Hamwi and Devine.
Average Weight for Height Formula and Mathematical Explanation
There isn't just one formula to calculate the average weight for height. Over the decades, researchers have developed several equations. The most widely used are derived from height in inches over 5 feet.
Primary Formulas Used
1. The Devine Formula (1974): Originally developed to calculate dosage for medications, it became the standard for IBW.
Male: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Female: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
2. The Hamwi Formula (1964): Popular in clinical settings for quick estimations.
Male: 106 lbs + 6 lbs per inch over 5 feet
Female: 100 lbs + 5 lbs per inch over 5 feet
Variables Table
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Height
Vertical measurement of the body
Inches / cm
58 – 84 inches
Base Weight
Starting weight value for 5ft height
lbs / kg
100 – 106 lbs
Increment
Weight added per inch over 5ft
lbs / kg
5 – 6 lbs
Frame Size
Adjustment for bone structure
Factor
Small (-10%), Large (+10%)
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Tall Male Athlete
Scenario: John is 6'2″ (74 inches) and wants to know his ideal weight baseline for a medical checkup.
Adjustment: Small frame reduces this by 10%, resulting in 99 lbs.
Interpretation: The strict formula suggests 99 lbs, but the BMI healthy range for 5'2″ is roughly 101-136 lbs. This suggests Sarah should aim for the lower end of the BMI scale rather than strictly following the adjusted Hamwi formula.
How to Use This Average Weight for Height Calculator
Select Gender: Choose Male or Female. Formulas differ significantly because men generally have more lean muscle mass and heavier bone structures naturally.
Enter Height: Use the dropdowns to select your height in feet and inches.
Choose Frame Size: If you know you have small wrists/ankles compared to average, select "Small". If you are broad-shouldered or have thick wrists, select "Large". Leave as "Medium" if unsure.
Review Results:
The Highlighted Range is your target window based on BMI.
The Cards show specific "ideal" numbers from medical formulas.
Use the Data: Use the "Copy Results" button to save this data for your nutritionist or doctor.
Key Factors That Affect Average Weight Results
While the average weight for height calculator gives a mathematical baseline, several biological and lifestyle factors influence where you should actually sit on the scale.
1. Muscle Mass vs. Body Fat
Muscle tissue is denser than fat tissue. An athlete with high muscle mass may weigh more than the "average" formula suggests but still have a low body fat percentage and be very healthy. The calculator cannot distinguish between 200 lbs of muscle and 200 lbs of fat.
2. Bone Density (Frame Size)
Skeleton weight varies. A large-framed individual naturally carries more weight. Our calculator includes a frame size adjustment (+/- 10%) to account for this physical reality.
3. Age
Metabolism slows with age, and body composition changes. Older adults may carry slightly more weight or lose muscle mass. While the formulas don't explicitly ask for age, standard health advice often shifts slightly for seniors to prevent frailty.
4. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
These calculations are not valid for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Hormonal changes and fluid retention drastically alter weight requirements.
5. Health Conditions
Conditions like thyroid issues, edema (water retention), or osteoporosis affect weight independent of height. A doctor should always interpret calculator results in the context of your medical history.
6. Hydration Levels
Body weight can fluctuate by several pounds daily based on water intake and salt consumption. Never treat a single weigh-in as absolute; look for trends over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the BMI range or the Hamwi formula more accurate?
For the general population, the BMI range is a better guide because it offers a "window" of health rather than a single strict number. The Hamwi formula is better for clinical estimations of medication dosing.
2. Why do I weigh more than the calculator says?
You might have above-average muscle mass, higher bone density, or the formula might be too conservative for modern body types. If your waist circumference is healthy, a higher scale weight is often fine.
3. Does this calculator work for children?
No. Children and teenagers grow at different rates, and their BMI is calculated using percentiles based on age and gender. Consult a pediatrician for child growth charts.
4. How do I determine my frame size?
A simple method is wrapping your thumb and middle finger around your wrist. If they overlap, you have a small frame. If they touch, medium. If they don't meet, large.
5. What if I am under 5 feet tall?
Most standard formulas (Hamwi, Devine) start at 5 feet. For heights under 5 feet, the calculator subtracts weight per inch under 5 feet, but accuracy decreases.
6. Can I use this for bodybuilding?
Bodybuilders should rely on body fat percentage measurements (like calipers or DEXA scans) rather than simple height-weight charts, which often classify muscular individuals as overweight.
7. How often should I weigh myself?
Weekly weighing is generally recommended over daily weighing to avoid obsessing over normal hydration fluctuations.
8. Are these formulas used by doctors?
Yes, doctors and dietitians use these exact formulas (Devine, Hamwi) to calculate nutritional needs and drug dosages in hospitals.
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