Use our professional calculator to determine your ideal body weight using clinically proven formulas.
Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Male
Female
Biological sex affects bone mass and muscle density assumptions in formulas.
Please enter a valid height in feet.
Please enter valid inches (0-11).
Please enter a valid height in cm.
Standard medical height measurement.
Estimated Ideal Weight
161 lbs
Based on average of Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas.
Detailed Formula Breakdown
Devine Formula166 lbs
Robinson Formula160 lbs
Miller Formula156 lbs
Healthy BMI Range (18.5-24.9)125 – 169 lbs
Comparison of different medical formulas vs BMI range
Calculated results based on your specific height and gender inputs.
Formula Name
Weight Result
Formula Origin
Devine (1974)
166 lbs
Medical Dosing
Robinson (1983)
160 lbs
Extension of Devine
Miller (1983)
156 lbs
Medical Estimate
Hamwi (1964)
164 lbs
"Rule of Thumb"
What is how to calculate the right weight for my height?
Determining how to calculate the right weight for my height is a fundamental step in assessing general health and nutritional status. Unlike a simple scale reading, calculating your "right" or ideal weight involves understanding the relationship between your skeletal structure, height, and biological sex. It provides a target benchmark that medical professionals often use to dose medications, assess nutritional needs, and gauge potential health risks.
This calculation is not about aesthetic perfection or achieving an unrealistic physique. Instead, it focuses on finding a weight range that statistically correlates with the lowest mortality rates and the lowest risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues. While Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most common tool, formulas like Devine, Robinson, and Miller offer more specific insights by attempting to account for body frame without requiring complex measurements.
Common misconceptions include believing there is a single "perfect" number. In reality, how to calculate the right weight for my height yields a range. Muscle mass, bone density, and age all play significant roles. Therefore, these calculations should serve as a guideline rather than a strict rule.
Formulas and Mathematical Explanation
To understand how to calculate the right weight for my height, we look at several established medical equations. Most of these follow a base-weight model, adding a specific amount of weight for every inch of height over 5 feet.
The Devine Formula (Most Common)
The Devine formula is widely used in medical settings, particularly for calculating drug dosages.
Men: 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Variables Table
Key variables used in weight calculations
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Base Weight
Starting weight for a 5ft person
kg / lbs
45-56 kg
Height Increment
Weight added per unit of height
kg/inch
1.36 – 2.7 kg
Height Threshold
Height at which calculation begins
Feet
5 Feet (60 inches)
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Tall Athlete
Consider a male who is 6 feet 2 inches tall (74 inches). He wants to know how to calculate the right weight for my height using the Robinson formula.
Height over 5ft: 14 inches
Calculation: 52 kg + (1.9 kg × 14) = 52 + 26.6 = 78.6 kg
Result: Approx 173 lbs.
Interpretation: This provides a baseline. If the athlete has high muscle mass, he might weigh significantly more (e.g., 200 lbs) while still being healthy, illustrating the importance of context.
Example 2: Health Assessment for Average Height
A female who is 5 feet 4 inches tall (64 inches) uses the Hamwi method.
Height over 5ft: 4 inches
Calculation: 100 lbs + (5 lbs × 4) = 120 lbs.
Result: 120 lbs.
Interpretation: The Hamwi method suggests 120 lbs. However, a healthy range is usually considered +/- 10% for frame size, meaning a range of 108 lbs to 132 lbs is appropriate.
How to Use This Calculator
Our tool simplifies the complex math behind how to calculate the right weight for my height. Follow these steps:
Select Your Unit System: Choose between Imperial (Feet/Inches) or Metric (cm) based on your preference.
Select Gender: Choose Male or Female. This adjusts the base weight and multiplier in the formulas.
Enter Height: Input your height accurately. If you are exactly 5 feet, enter 5 feet 0 inches.
Review Results: The calculator immediately displays an average "Ideal Weight" along with a breakdown of specific formulas and your healthy BMI range.
Analyze the Chart: Use the visual chart to see where the different formulas cluster compared to the broad BMI healthy range.
Key Factors That Affect Results
When learning how to calculate the right weight for my height, consider these six critical factors:
Muscle Mass vs. Fat: Muscle is denser than fat. A bodybuilder may weigh well above the "ideal" calculated weight but have a low body fat percentage and excellent metabolic health.
Bone Frame Size: The formulas assume a "medium" frame. People with larger skeletal structures (wrist circumference > 7 inches for men) should adjust the result upwards by about 10%.
Age: As we age, metabolism slows and body composition shifts. Slightly higher weights in older adults are sometimes associated with better survival rates against chronic illness.
Fluid Retention: Daily weight can fluctuate by 2-5 pounds due to water retention from sodium intake or hormonal cycles, affecting your measurement against the target.
Distribution of Weight: Visceral fat (around organs) is riskier than subcutaneous fat. Two people with the same weight and height can have vastly different health profiles based on where fat is stored.
Genetic Predisposition: Genetics influence basal metabolic rate and natural body shape. Fighting your body's natural "set point" to reach a specific calculated number can sometimes be counterproductive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the result from "how to calculate the right weight for my height" a strict rule?
No. It is a statistical average used for guidance. Your personal best weight depends on muscle mass, frame size, and overall health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol.
2. Which formula is the most accurate?
The Devine formula is the most commonly used in medical settings. However, the Hamwi formula is popular for quick "rule of thumb" estimates. No single formula is perfect for everyone.
3. How does age affect these calculations?
Most IBW (Ideal Body Weight) formulas do not factor in age. However, strict adherence to these weights in elderly populations is often discouraged to prevent frailty.
4. What if I am very short (under 5 feet)?
These formulas are less accurate under 5 feet. Usually, a base weight is subtracted for every inch under 5 feet, but BMI charts are often a better reference for shorter statures.
5. Does this apply to children?
No. Children and teenagers should use CDC growth charts and percentiles, not adult ideal weight formulas.
6. Why is the BMI range so wide?
BMI accounts for a broad range of body types. The range (18.5 to 24.9) allows for variations in muscle and bone density while still remaining in a category associated with lower health risks.
7. How often should I check my weight?
Checking weekly is generally sufficient to track trends without becoming obsessed with daily fluctuations.
8. Can I be healthy if I am above the calculated weight?
Absolutely. If you are active, eat a balanced diet, and have normal metabolic markers, weighing more than the formula suggests (often due to muscle) is perfectly healthy.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
BMI Calculator – Calculate your Body Mass Index specifically to categorize weight status.