Enter your details below to calculate your ideal weight range. This calculator uses the Hamwi formula, a widely recognized method for estimating healthy weight.
Male
Female
Enter your height in centimeters.
Alternatively, enter height in feet and inches (e.g., 5 feet 9 inches).
Your Ideal Weight Range
Ideal Weight (Lower Bound)—kg
Ideal Weight (Upper Bound)—kg
Midpoint Ideal Weight—kg
BMI at Midpoint—kg/m²
Formula Used: Hamwi Formula.
For men: 106 lbs for the first 5 feet of height + 6 lbs for each additional inch.
For women: 100 lbs for the first 5 feet of height + 5 lbs for each additional inch.
A range of +/- 10% is often considered healthy. Results are converted to kilograms.
Ideal Weight Range Table
Ideal Weight Range by Height
Height (cm)
Height (ft'in")
Ideal Weight (kg) – Lower
Ideal Weight (kg) – Upper
Midpoint Ideal Weight (kg)
Ideal Weight vs. Height Chart
Ideal Weight Lower Bound
Ideal Weight Upper Bound
What is Ideal Weight?
Your ideal weight is a target weight range that is considered healthy for your height, sex, and body frame. It's not a single magic number but rather a spectrum that minimizes health risks associated with being underweight or overweight. Understanding your ideal weight is a crucial step in managing your overall health and well-being. It serves as a benchmark for assessing your current body composition and guiding lifestyle choices related to diet and exercise.
Who should use it? Anyone looking to understand their healthy weight range, individuals aiming for weight management (loss or gain), athletes seeking optimal performance, and healthcare professionals assessing patient health. It's a valuable tool for proactive health management.
Common misconceptions: Many people believe ideal weight is about achieving a specific aesthetic. However, it's primarily about health. Another misconception is that it's a rigid number; in reality, it's a range. Furthermore, ideal weight doesn't account for body composition (muscle vs. fat), which is why BMI and other metrics are often used in conjunction. The concept of ideal weight is a foundational element in understanding healthy body mass.
Ideal Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
Several formulas exist to estimate ideal weight, each with its own nuances. One of the most commonly used and straightforward methods is the Hamwi Formula. This formula provides a baseline estimation and is often adjusted by a percentage to create a healthy weight range.
Hamwi Formula Breakdown
The Hamwi formula was developed in 1964 by Dr. W. Hamwi and is based on height. It's relatively simple to apply and provides a good starting point for ideal weight calculations.
For Men: 106 pounds (lbs) for the first 5 feet (60 inches) of height, plus 6 lbs for each additional inch over 5 feet.
For Women: 100 pounds (lbs) for the first 5 feet (60 inches) of height, plus 5 lbs for each additional inch over 5 feet.
To get a healthy weight range, a +/- 10% adjustment is typically applied to the calculated ideal weight. This accounts for variations in body frame size and composition.
Variable Explanations
Let's break down the variables involved in calculating ideal weight using the Hamwi formula:
Hamwi Formula Variables
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Height
The vertical distance from the sole of the foot to the top of the head.
Centimeters (cm) or Feet/Inches
Varies widely based on population
Gender
Biological sex, influencing baseline weight and rate of gain per inch.
Male / Female
Male, Female
Baseline Weight (First 5ft)
The standard weight assigned to the first 5 feet of height.
Pounds (lbs)
100 lbs (Women), 106 lbs (Men)
Weight per Inch
The amount of weight added for each inch of height above 5 feet.
Pounds (lbs) per inch
5 lbs/inch (Women), 6 lbs/inch (Men)
Ideal Weight (Midpoint)
The calculated weight based on the formula.
Pounds (lbs)
Varies based on height and gender
Healthy Range Adjustment
Percentage added or subtracted to define the healthy weight range.
Percentage (%)
+/- 10%
Final Ideal Weight Range
The lower and upper bounds of a healthy weight.
Kilograms (kg)
Varies based on height, gender, and range
The calculator converts pounds to kilograms (1 lb ≈ 0.453592 kg) for broader usability.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let's illustrate how the ideal weight calculator works with practical examples.
Example 1: A Woman of Average Height
Scenario: Sarah is a 30-year-old woman who is 165 cm tall. She wants to know her healthy weight range.
Inputs:
Gender: Female
Height: 165 cm (approximately 5 feet 5 inches)
Calculation Steps (Simplified):
Height in inches: 165 cm / 2.54 cm/inch ≈ 64.96 inches.
Convert to kg: 124.8 lbs * 0.453592 kg/lb ≈ 56.6 kg.
Lower bound (10% less): 56.6 kg * 0.90 ≈ 50.9 kg.
Upper bound (10% more): 56.6 kg * 1.10 ≈ 62.3 kg.
Calculator Output:
Ideal Weight (Lower Bound): ~51 kg
Ideal Weight (Upper Bound): ~62 kg
Midpoint Ideal Weight: ~57 kg
BMI at Midpoint: ~21.0 kg/m² (assuming average frame)
Interpretation: Sarah's healthy weight range is approximately 51 kg to 62 kg. Maintaining a weight within this range is associated with lower health risks. Her current weight should be compared against this range to guide dietary and exercise efforts.
Example 2: A Tall Man
Scenario: David is a 25-year-old man who is 190 cm tall. He's curious about his ideal weight.
Inputs:
Gender: Male
Height: 190 cm (approximately 6 feet 3 inches)
Calculation Steps (Simplified):
Height in inches: 190 cm / 2.54 cm/inch ≈ 74.8 inches.
Convert to kg: 194.8 lbs * 0.453592 kg/lb ≈ 88.4 kg.
Lower bound (10% less): 88.4 kg * 0.90 ≈ 79.6 kg.
Upper bound (10% more): 88.4 kg * 1.10 ≈ 97.2 kg.
Calculator Output:
Ideal Weight (Lower Bound): ~80 kg
Ideal Weight (Upper Bound): ~97 kg
Midpoint Ideal Weight: ~88 kg
BMI at Midpoint: ~24.4 kg/m² (assuming average frame)
Interpretation: David's healthy weight range is approximately 80 kg to 97 kg. This calculation helps him understand if his current weight falls within a healthy spectrum for his height and sex. This information can be a motivator for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
How to Use This Ideal Weight Calculator
Using our ideal weight calculator is simple and provides instant results. Follow these steps for an accurate assessment:
Select Gender: Choose 'Male' or 'Female' from the dropdown menu. This is crucial as the formula differs slightly based on sex.
Enter Height: Input your height in centimeters (e.g., 175) in the first height field. If you prefer, you can enter your height in feet and inches in the optional second field (e.g., 5 for feet, 9 for inches). The calculator will use the most precise measurement available.
Click Calculate: Press the 'Calculate' button.
Review Results: The calculator will display your ideal weight range (lower and upper bounds), the midpoint ideal weight, and the estimated BMI at the midpoint.
Understand the Range: The ideal weight range indicates a spectrum of weights considered healthy for your height and sex. The midpoint is the direct result of the Hamwi formula.
Use the Table and Chart: For a broader perspective, check the generated table and chart which visualize ideal weight ranges for various heights.
Reset or Copy: Use the 'Reset' button to clear the fields and start over. Use 'Copy Results' to save or share your calculated figures.
Decision-making guidance: Compare your current weight to the calculated range. If you are significantly outside this range, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to discuss a personalized weight management plan. Remember, this calculator provides an estimate; individual health needs can vary.
Key Factors That Affect Ideal Weight Results
While formulas like the Hamwi method provide a useful estimate, several other factors influence what constitutes a healthy weight for an individual. Understanding these can provide a more holistic view of your health.
Body Composition: Muscle is denser than fat. An individual with a high muscle mass might weigh more than the ideal weight range suggests but still be very healthy. Conversely, someone with low muscle mass might fall within the range but have a higher body fat percentage, posing health risks.
Bone Density and Frame Size: People naturally have different bone structures and frame sizes (small, medium, large). A person with a larger frame might naturally carry more weight and still be healthy compared to someone with a smaller frame. The +/- 10% range attempts to account for this, but individual variations exist.
Age: Metabolic rate tends to slow down with age, and body composition can change. While the ideal weight formulas don't directly factor in age, it plays a role in how the body maintains or gains weight and its overall health status at a given weight.
Genetics: Predisposition to certain body types and metabolic rates can be inherited. Genetics can influence how easily you gain or lose weight and where your body tends to store fat.
Activity Level: A highly active individual, especially one involved in strength training, will likely have more muscle mass than a sedentary person of the same height and sex. This impacts their overall weight and body composition.
Overall Health Status: Certain medical conditions (like thyroid issues, PCOS) or medications can affect weight. The ideal weight calculation is a general guideline and doesn't replace a medical assessment.
Pregnancy and Lactation: These physiological states significantly alter a woman's weight and nutritional needs, making standard ideal weight calculations inappropriate during these times.
It's important to view ideal weight as one metric among many for assessing health, alongside factors like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and fitness levels. For personalized advice, always consult a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the ideal weight calculator accurate for everyone?
A: The calculator provides an estimate based on established formulas like the Hamwi method. It's a useful guideline but doesn't account for individual variations in body composition, bone density, or specific health conditions. It's best used as a starting point for discussion with a healthcare professional.
Q2: What is the difference between ideal weight and healthy weight?
A: Often used interchangeably, "ideal weight" typically refers to the specific number derived from a formula, while "healthy weight" refers to a range around that ideal number that is associated with minimal health risks. Our calculator provides a range to reflect this.
Q3: Should I worry if my current weight is outside the ideal weight range?
A: Not necessarily. A slight deviation might be perfectly healthy, especially if you have significant muscle mass. However, if your weight is substantially above or below the range, it's advisable to consult a doctor to discuss potential health implications and strategies for achieving a healthier weight.
Q4: How does BMI relate to ideal weight?
A: BMI (Body Mass Index) is another common metric for assessing weight status. It's calculated using height and weight (weight / height²). Our calculator shows the BMI at the midpoint of the ideal weight range, which typically falls within the "healthy" BMI category (18.5-24.9 kg/m²).
Q5: Can I use this calculator if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: No. Pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly alter a woman's body weight and nutritional needs. Standard ideal weight calculations are not applicable during these times. Consult your doctor for guidance on healthy weight during these periods.
Q6: Does the calculator account for different body types (e.g., athletic build)?
A: The standard formulas used do not explicitly account for athletic builds or high muscle mass. Athletes may weigh more than the calculated ideal weight due to muscle density. It's important to consider body composition alongside weight.
Q7: What are the units used in the results?
A: The primary results (ideal weight range and midpoint) are displayed in kilograms (kg). The BMI is shown in kg/m². The formulas initially work in pounds (lbs), which are then converted.
Q8: How often should I recalculate my ideal weight?
A: Your ideal weight range is primarily determined by your height and sex, which don't change. You generally don't need to recalculate it frequently unless you are using it as a benchmark for a weight management plan. Focus more on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and monitoring your body's signals.