Please enter a valid height (Minimum 5ft recommended for accuracy).
Small (-10%)
Medium (Standard)
Large (+10%)
Adjusts formula results based on bone structure.
ESTIMATED CORRECT WEIGHT
160 – 176 lbs
(72.5 – 79.8 kg)
Devine Formula
168 lbs
BMI Range (18.5-25)
125 – 169 lbs
Robinson Formula
166 lbs
Method
Weight (lbs)
Weight (kg)
Comparison of different medical weight standards based on your inputs.
Chart displays the comparison between specific formulas and the general healthy BMI range.
What is "How to Calculate My Correct Weight"?
When individuals search for how to calculate my correct weight, they are often looking for a medically standardized "Ideal Body Weight" (IBW). This is not a single magic number, but rather a range derived from population statistics and health outcomes. Knowing how to calculate my correct weight helps in setting realistic fitness goals, dosing certain medications, and assessing long-term health risks.
The concept of "correct weight" is primarily intended for adults. It uses factors like height, gender, and frame size to estimate a weight associated with the lowest mortality rate. However, common misconceptions exist. Many believe that the result of how to calculate my correct weight dictates appearance or athletic performance, but these formulas focus strictly on statistical health averages.
Correct Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
To understand how to calculate my correct weight, we must look at the specific formulas used by the medical community. The most widely cited is the Devine Formula (1974), originally developed for medication dosing but now a standard for IBW.
The Devine Formula
Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
The BMI Method
Body Mass Index (BMI) is another critical component in determining how to calculate my correct weight. It calculates a healthy weight range based on:
Weight (kg) = BMI × (Height in meters)²
A "normal" BMI is considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9.
Variables used in weight calculations
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
H
Height
Inches/Meters
4'10" – 7'0″
Base Weight
Starting constant based on gender
kg
45.5 – 50.0
Increment
Weight added per inch over 5ft
kg
2.3 (Devine)
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Average Male
John is 5'10" (70 inches) and wants to know how to calculate my correct weight. Using the Devine formula:
Height over 5ft: 10 inches.
Calculation: 50 kg + (2.3 kg × 10) = 73 kg (approx. 161 lbs).
Financial/Health Interpretation: Maintaining this weight may lower insurance premiums and reduce long-term healthcare costs associated with obesity-related conditions like diabetes.
Example 2: The Petite Female
Sarah is 5'2″ (62 inches). She searches for how to calculate my correct weight to set a gym goal.
Height over 5ft: 2 inches.
Calculation: 45.5 kg + (2.3 kg × 2) = 50.1 kg (approx. 110 lbs).
Interpretation: This provides a baseline. However, if Sarah is an athlete with high muscle mass, her "correct" functional weight might be higher than this statistical average.
How to Use This Correct Weight Calculator
We have designed this tool specifically to answer the question: how to calculate my correct weight accurately.
Select Gender: Men and women carry muscle and fat differently, altering the baseline formula.
Enter Height: Input your height in feet and inches. This is the most sensitive variable in the equation.
Choose Frame Size: Small frames reduce the IBW by 10%, while large frames increase it by 10%.
Review Results: The calculator provides a range. The "Primary Result" combines the Devine formula with frame adjustments.
Analyze the Chart: Use the visual bar chart to see where specific formulas sit relative to the broad "Healthy BMI" zone.
Key Factors That Affect Correct Weight Results
When learning how to calculate my correct weight, consider these six financial and physiological factors:
Muscle Mass vs. Body Fat: Muscle is denser than fat. A high-net-worth athlete may weigh more than the "correct" calculation but be perfectly healthy.
Age: Metabolism slows with age. While formulas don't always factor this in, maintaining the lower end of the "correct weight" range becomes harder and financially costlier (supplements, specialized diet) as you age.
Bone Density: Frame size inputs attempt to account for this, but outliers exist. Higher bone density increases scale weight without increasing health risks.
Hydration Levels: Daily weight fluctuation can be 2-4 lbs due to water retention, affecting daily measurements against the calculated standard.
Healthcare Costs: Statistically, deviating significantly from the calculated "correct weight" correlates with higher lifetime medical expenses.
Insurance Underwriting: Life insurance policies often use these exact BMI and IBW tables to determine risk classes and premium rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the result from "how to calculate my correct weight" absolute?
No. It is a statistical estimation. Your doctor can provide a better assessment based on blood work and body composition.
2. Why do different formulas give different results?
Formulas like Devine, Robinson, and Miller were developed based on different population datasets and decades. We display multiple to give you a consensus range.
3. How does frame size affect the calculation?
Standard formulas assume a medium frame. Adjusting for a large frame adds approximately 10% to the target weight to account for heavier bone structure.
4. Does this apply to children?
No. Children require specialized growth charts (percentiles) rather than adult static formulas.
5. Can I be "overweight" but healthy?
Yes. If you have significant muscle mass, your BMI might indicate "overweight" even if your body fat percentage is low and metabolic health is excellent.
6. How often should I calculate my correct weight?
You only need to calculate it once unless your height changes. However, you should compare your actual weight to this target regularly.
7. What is the financial impact of maintaining a correct weight?
Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with lower direct medical costs, fewer prescription needs, and often lower life insurance premiums.
8. Which formula is the most accurate?
The Devine formula is the most widely used in medical settings for dosing and general estimation, making it a reliable standard for how to calculate my correct weight.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore more tools to manage your health and finances:
// Global function to allow 'var' usage strictly
(function() {
// Initial Calculation on Load
window.onload = function() {
calculateWeight();
};
window.calculateWeight = function() {
// 1. Get Inputs
var gender = document.getElementById('gender').value;
var feet = parseFloat(document.getElementById('feet').value);
var inches = parseFloat(document.getElementById('inches').value);
var frame = document.getElementById('frame').value;
// Error Handling
var heightError = document.getElementById('heightError');
if (isNaN(feet) || isNaN(inches) || feet < 0 || inches 5ft (60 inches) for these formulas
// We will clamp minimum height calculation to 60 inches for the linear part
// but for BMI we use actual height.
var heightInMeters = totalInches * 0.0254;
var inchesOver60 = totalInches – 60;
if (inchesOver60 < 0) inchesOver60 = 0;
// Constants
var kgPerInchMale = 2.3;
var kgPerInchFemale = 2.3; // Devine
var baseMale = 50.0;
var baseFemale = 45.5;
// Devine Formula
var devineKg = 0;
if (gender === 'male') {
devineKg = baseMale + (2.3 * inchesOver60);
} else {
devineKg = baseFemale + (2.3 * inchesOver60);
}
// Robinson Formula (1983)
// Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5ft
// Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5ft
var robinsonKg = 0;
if (gender === 'male') {
robinsonKg = 52 + (1.9 * inchesOver60);
} else {
robinsonKg = 49 + (1.7 * inchesOver60);
}
// Miller Formula (1983)
// Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5ft
// Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5ft
var millerKg = 0;
if (gender === 'male') {
millerKg = 56.2 + (1.41 * inchesOver60);
} else {
millerKg = 53.1 + (1.36 * inchesOver60);
}
// BMI Range (18.5 – 24.9)
var bmiMinKg = 18.5 * (heightInMeters * heightInMeters);
var bmiMaxKg = 24.9 * (heightInMeters * heightInMeters);
// Frame Size Adjustment (Apply to Devine as the "Ideal" base)
var frameMultiplier = 1.0;
if (frame === 'small') frameMultiplier = 0.9;
if (frame === 'large') frameMultiplier = 1.1;
var finalIdealKg = devineKg * frameMultiplier;
var finalIdealLbs = finalIdealKg * 2.20462;
var devineLbs = devineKg * 2.20462;
var robinsonLbs = robinsonKg * 2.20462;
var millerLbs = millerKg * 2.20462;
var bmiMinLbs = bmiMinKg * 2.20462;
var bmiMaxLbs = bmiMaxKg * 2.20462;
// 3. Update DOM
// Primary Result (Range +/- 5% of ideal or just the Frame Adjusted Ideal)
// Let's show a small range for the primary result as "Correct Weight" is rarely a single digit
var rangeMin = Math.floor(finalIdealLbs * 0.95);
var rangeMax = Math.ceil(finalIdealLbs * 1.05);
var rangeMinKg = (rangeMin / 2.20462).toFixed(1);
var rangeMaxKg = (rangeMax / 2.20462).toFixed(1);
document.getElementById('primaryResult').innerText = rangeMin + " – " + rangeMax + " lbs";
document.getElementById('primaryResultKg').innerText = "(" + rangeMinKg + " – " + rangeMaxKg + " kg)";
document.getElementById('devineResult').innerText = Math.round(devineLbs) + " lbs";
document.getElementById('robinsonResult').innerText = Math.round(robinsonLbs) + " lbs";
document.getElementById('bmiResult').innerText = Math.round(bmiMinLbs) + " – " + Math.round(bmiMaxLbs) + " lbs";
// Update Table
var tableHtml = '';
tableHtml += '
Devine (Medical Std)
' + devineLbs.toFixed(1) + '
' + devineKg.toFixed(1) + '
';
tableHtml += '
Robinson Formula
' + robinsonLbs.toFixed(1) + '
' + robinsonKg.toFixed(1) + '
';
tableHtml += '
Miller Formula
' + millerLbs.toFixed(1) + '
' + millerKg.toFixed(1) + '
';
tableHtml += '
BMI Healthy Min
' + bmiMinLbs.toFixed(1) + '
' + bmiMinKg.toFixed(1) + '
';
tableHtml += '
BMI Healthy Max
' + bmiMaxLbs.toFixed(1) + '
' + bmiMaxKg.toFixed(1) + '
';
document.getElementById('breakdownTable').innerHTML = tableHtml;
// 4. Draw Chart
drawChart(bmiMinLbs, bmiMaxLbs, finalIdealLbs);
};
window.resetCalculator = function() {
document.getElementById('gender').value = 'male';
document.getElementById('feet').value = 5;
document.getElementById('inches').value = 9;
document.getElementById('frame').value = 'medium';
calculateWeight();
};
window.copyResults = function() {
var resultText = "My Correct Weight Calculation:\n";
resultText += "Estimated Range: " + document.getElementById('primaryResult').innerText + "\n";
resultText += "Based on Devine Formula: " + document.getElementById('devineResult').innerText + "\n";
resultText += "Healthy BMI Range: " + document.getElementById('bmiResult').innerText + "\n";
var textArea = document.createElement("textarea");
textArea.value = resultText;
document.body.appendChild(textArea);
textArea.select();
document.execCommand("Copy");
textArea.remove();
var btn = document.querySelector('.btn-copy');
var originalText = btn.innerText;
btn.innerText = "Copied!";
setTimeout(function(){ btn.innerText = originalText; }, 2000);
};
function drawChart(min, max, ideal) {
var canvas = document.getElementById('weightChart');
var ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
// Handle high DPI
var dpr = window.devicePixelRatio || 1;
var rect = canvas.getBoundingClientRect();
canvas.width = rect.width * dpr;
canvas.height = rect.height * dpr;
ctx.scale(dpr, dpr);
var width = rect.width;
var height = rect.height;
// Clear
ctx.clearRect(0, 0, width, height);
// Chart Settings
var padding = 40;
var chartWidth = width – (padding * 2);
var chartHeight = height – (padding * 2);
// Determine Scale
// Min scale value should be lower than min weight, Max higher than max weight
var scaleMin = Math.floor(min * 0.8);
var scaleMax = Math.ceil(max * 1.2);
var scaleRange = scaleMax – scaleMin;
// Draw Axis
ctx.beginPath();
ctx.moveTo(padding, padding);
ctx.lineTo(padding, height – padding); // Y axis
ctx.lineTo(width – padding, height – padding); // X axis
ctx.strokeStyle = '#ccc';
ctx.stroke();
// Draw Labels and Bars
var barWidth = chartWidth / 4;
var spacing = barWidth / 2;
// Helper to map value to Y
function getY(val) {
var pct = (val – scaleMin) / scaleRange;
return (height – padding) – (pct * chartHeight);
}
// 1. BMI Range Bar (Gray area)
var yMin = getY(min);
var yMax = getY(max);
var barH = yMin – yMax;
ctx.fillStyle = 'rgba(200, 200, 200, 0.3)';
ctx.fillRect(padding + spacing, yMax, barWidth, barH);
ctx.strokeStyle = '#999';
ctx.strokeRect(padding + spacing, yMax, barWidth, barH);
// Label for BMI
ctx.fillStyle = '#666′;
ctx.font = '12px Arial';
ctx.textAlign = 'center';
ctx.fillText("BMI Healthy Range", padding + spacing + (barWidth/2), height – padding + 15);
ctx.fillText(Math.round(min) + "-" + Math.round(max), padding + spacing + (barWidth/2), yMin – (barH/2));
// 2. Ideal Weight Bar (Green)
var yIdeal = getY(ideal);
var idealH = (height – padding) – yIdeal;
// We draw this as a bar from 0 (or bottom) or just a point? Let's do a bar from bottom relative to scaleMin
// To make it look like a comparison, let's draw a bar representing the calculated weight
var yBase = height – padding;
var barTop = yIdeal;
var barHeight = yBase – barTop;
// Correction: Bar charts usually start from 0. Since we have a zoomed scale, we draw from the bottom of chart area to the value.
// Actually, for "Ideal" vs Range, a point or line is better on top of the range?
// Let's just draw a bar next to it.
var idealX = padding + spacing + barWidth + spacing;
ctx.fillStyle = '#28a745';
ctx.fillRect(idealX, barTop, barWidth, barHeight);
// Label for Ideal
ctx.fillStyle = '#155724';
ctx.fillText("Your Correct Weight", idealX + (barWidth/2), height – padding + 15);
ctx.font = 'bold 14px Arial';
ctx.fillText(Math.round(ideal) + " lbs", idealX + (barWidth/2), barTop – 5);
// Draw Y Axis Grid & Labels
ctx.textAlign = 'right';
ctx.font = '10px Arial';
ctx.fillStyle = '#999';
var steps = 5;
for (var i = 0; i <= steps; i++) {
var val = scaleMin + (scaleRange * (i/steps));
var yPos = getY(val);
ctx.fillText(Math.round(val), padding – 5, yPos + 3);
// Grid line
ctx.beginPath();
ctx.moveTo(padding, yPos);
ctx.lineTo(width – padding, yPos);
ctx.strokeStyle = '#eee';
ctx.stroke();
}
}
})();