Determine your ideal body weight range using medical formulas
Male
Female
Biological sex affects bone density and muscle mass assumptions.
Please enter a valid height.
Please enter a valid height.
Estimated Ideal Weight (Devine Formula)
166 lbs
Based on the 1974 Devine Formula, widely used for medical dosing.
Healthy BMI Range
129 – 174 lbs
Robinson Formula (1983)
163 lbs
Miller Formula (1983)
160 lbs
Formula Comparison
Method
Estimated Weight
Primary Use Case
Table 1: Comparison of different ideal weight calculation methods.
Figure 1: Visual comparison of ideal weight formulas vs. Healthy BMI Range.
Height Calculator to Weight: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the relationship between your height and weight is a fundamental aspect of health monitoring. This height calculator to weight tool is designed to provide you with a scientifically grounded estimate of your ideal body weight (IBW) using multiple established medical formulas. Whether you are setting fitness goals, monitoring your health, or simply curious, this guide explains the mathematics and physiology behind the numbers.
What is a Height Calculator to Weight?
A height calculator to weight, often referred to as an Ideal Body Weight (IBW) calculator, is a digital tool that computes a target weight based on a person's height and gender. Unlike a simple scale, it uses algorithms derived from actuarial data and medical research to suggest a weight associated with maximum longevity and lowest risk of chronic disease.
It is important to note that "ideal" is a statistical term, not a cosmetic one. These calculators are widely used by:
Medical Professionals: To calculate drug dosages (especially for medications with narrow therapeutic indices).
Nutritionists: To establish baseline caloric needs.
Athletes: To determine weight classes for sports.
Common Misconception: Many people believe there is a single "perfect" weight. In reality, a healthy weight exists within a range, influenced by frame size and muscle mass.
Height Calculator to Weight Formulas and Mathematical Explanation
Over the decades, several formulas have been developed to estimate ideal weight. Our calculator utilizes the four most respected methods. All formulas assume a base weight for a height of 5 feet and add a specific amount for every inch over 5 feet.
1. The Devine Formula (1974)
Originally developed to calculate drug clearances, this is the most widely used formula in medicine.
Male: 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Female: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
2. The Robinson Formula (1983)
Developed to improve upon Devine's formula using more modern population data.
Male: 52.0 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet
Female: 49.0 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
3. The Miller Formula (1983)
Often yields a lower estimate, which some experts believe aligns better with modern definitions of "lean" mass.
Male: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet
Female: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet
Variables Table
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Height
Vertical measurement
cm / inches
140-210 cm
Base Weight
Starting weight at 5ft
kg
45-56 kg
Increment
Weight added per unit height
kg/inch
1.36-2.7 kg
Table 2: Key variables used in ideal weight calculations.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Average Male
Profile: John is a 30-year-old male, 5 feet 10 inches tall (70 inches).
Using the Devine Formula:
Base height is 60 inches. John is 10 inches over.
Calculation: 50 kg + (2.3 kg × 10) = 50 + 23 = 73 kg.
Converted to lbs: 73 kg × 2.20462 ≈ 161 lbs.
Interpretation: A weight of roughly 161 lbs is statistically associated with good health outcomes for John's height.
Example 2: The Tall Female
Profile: Sarah is a 25-year-old female, 5 feet 8 inches tall (68 inches).
Using the Robinson Formula:
Base height is 60 inches. Sarah is 8 inches over.
Calculation: 49 kg + (1.7 kg × 8) = 49 + 13.6 = 62.6 kg.
Converted to lbs: 62.6 kg × 2.20462 ≈ 138 lbs.
Interpretation: The Robinson formula suggests 138 lbs. However, the Healthy BMI range for her height is approximately 125 to 168 lbs, showing that the formula provides a specific target within a broader healthy zone.
How to Use This Height Calculator to Weight
Select Your Unit: Choose between Imperial (feet/inches, pounds) or Metric (centimeters, kilograms).
Select Gender: This adjusts the base weight and the multiplier per inch, reflecting physiological differences in muscle and bone mass.
Enter Height: Input your accurate height. If you are unsure, measure yourself without shoes against a flat wall.
Review Results:
The Main Result shows the Devine formula estimate (the medical standard).
The Metrics Grid shows alternative formulas and the WHO Healthy BMI range.
The Chart visualizes where these specific numbers fall relative to each other.
Key Factors That Affect Height Calculator to Weight Results
While math provides a baseline, biology is complex. Several factors influence what your true "ideal" weight should be:
Muscle Mass: Muscle is denser than fat. An athlete may weigh significantly more than the calculator suggests but still be very healthy (low body fat percentage).
Bone Frame Size: These formulas assume a medium frame. People with large frames (wrist circumference > 7″ for men) may need to add 10% to the result, while small frames subtract 10%.
Age: As we age, metabolism slows and body composition changes. Slightly higher weights in older adults are sometimes associated with better survival rates.
Pregnancy: These calculators are not applicable for pregnant women.
Health Conditions: Conditions like edema (water retention) can skew weight without reflecting tissue mass.
Fat Distribution: Visceral fat (around organs) is riskier than subcutaneous fat. Two people of the same weight and height may have different health risks based on where they carry weight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why do different formulas give different results?
Each formula was developed using different population data sets and actuarial tables from different decades. The Devine formula is the most common in hospitals, while Robinson is often used for nutritional assessments.
2. Is BMI better than Ideal Body Weight (IBW)?
They serve different purposes. BMI screens for weight categories (underweight, obese), while IBW gives a specific target number. Both have limitations regarding muscle mass.
3. What if my weight is higher than the result?
If you are muscular, this is normal. If the excess weight is primarily body fat, you might consider consulting a healthcare provider about weight management strategies.
4. Does this calculator work for children?
No. Children and teenagers are still growing, and their weight-for-height ratios use pediatric growth charts (percentiles) rather than these adult formulas.
5. How accurate is the height calculator to weight for very tall or short people?
The formulas are most accurate for people near average height (5'0″ to 6'0″). Accuracy decreases at extremes (under 5 feet or over 6'5″).
6. Should I aim for the exact number?
No. Treat the result as a general guideline or a center point of a healthy range (usually +/- 10%).
7. How often should I check my weight?
Weekly weighing is generally recommended to track trends without becoming obsessed with daily fluctuations caused by hydration.
8. Does gender really matter for weight calculation?
Yes. Biologically, men tend to have more lean muscle mass and heavier skeletons than women of the same height, leading to a higher ideal weight baseline.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore more of our health and financial planning tools:
BMI Calculator – Calculate your Body Mass Index category.