Based on standard World Health Organization BMI guidelines.
Ideal Weight (Devine Formula)
166 lbs
Ideal Weight (Robinson Formula)
163 lbs
Ideal Weight (Miller Formula)
161 lbs
Formula Comparison Table
Method
Calculated Weight
Description
Weight Range Visualization
Comparison of Healthy BMI Range vs. Specific Formulas
What is "How to Calculate Your Weight with Height"?
Learning how to calculate your weight with height is a fundamental aspect of health assessment. It refers to the process of determining an "ideal" or "healthy" body weight range based on your stature. Unlike a simple scale reading, calculating weight with height provides context, helping you understand if your mass is proportional to your frame.
This calculation is primarily used by medical professionals, dietitians, and fitness enthusiasts to set realistic health goals. It is not about achieving a cosmetic standard but rather identifying a weight range that statistically correlates with the lowest risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
A common misconception is that there is a single "perfect" weight for every height. In reality, healthy weight is a range. Factors like muscle mass, bone density, and age play significant roles. Therefore, tools that calculate your weight with height often use multiple formulas (like BMI, Devine, and Robinson) to provide a comprehensive perspective rather than a single rigid number.
Formulas and Mathematical Explanation
To accurately calculate your weight with height, several mathematical models have been developed over the decades. The most universally recognized is the Body Mass Index (BMI), but others like the Devine formula are often used for medical dosing and "ideal" weight estimation.
1. Body Mass Index (BMI) Range
The BMI formula is the standard for determining healthy weight ranges. It is derived from the relationship between mass and height squared.
Formula: Weight = BMI × (Height in meters)²
Healthy Minimum: 18.5 × (Height in meters)²
Healthy Maximum: 24.9 × (Height in meters)²
2. The Devine Formula (1974)
Originally developed to calculate medication dosages, this formula is widely used to estimate Ideal Body Weight (IBW).
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
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
H
Height
Meters (m) or Inches (in)
1.5m – 2.0m
BMI
Body Mass Index
kg/m²
18.5 – 24.9 (Healthy)
Base Weight
Starting constant in formulas
Kilograms (kg)
45.5kg – 50kg
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Average Male
Scenario: John is a 30-year-old male who is 5 feet 10 inches tall. He wants to know his healthy weight range.
Input Height: 5′ 10″ (70 inches or 1.78 meters)
Calculation (BMI Method):
Min: 18.5 × (1.78)² = 58.6 kg (129 lbs)
Max: 24.9 × (1.78)² = 78.9 kg (174 lbs)
Calculation (Devine Formula):
Base: 50 kg
Additional: 2.3 kg × 10 inches = 23 kg
Total: 73 kg (161 lbs)
Result: John's healthy range is roughly 129–174 lbs, with a specific ideal target around 161 lbs.
Example 2: The Petite Female
Scenario: Sarah is a female, 5 feet 2 inches tall.
Input Height: 5′ 2″ (62 inches or 1.57 meters)
Calculation (BMI Method):
Min: 18.5 × (1.57)² = 45.6 kg (100 lbs)
Max: 24.9 × (1.57)² = 61.4 kg (135 lbs)
Calculation (Robinson Formula):
Base: 49 kg
Additional: 1.7 kg × 2 inches = 3.4 kg
Total: 52.4 kg (115 lbs)
Result: Sarah should aim for a weight between 100 and 135 lbs.
How to Use This Calculator
Select Gender: Choose Male or Female. This adjusts the specific formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller) which have different baselines for men and women.
Choose Unit System: Select "Imperial" for feet/inches or "Metric" for centimeters.
Enter Height: Input your height accurately. If using feet and inches, ensure the inches field is between 0 and 11.
Review Results:
The Main Result shows the broad "Healthy BMI Range". This is the most medically accepted range.
The Metrics Grid shows specific "Ideal Weight" numbers based on older, formulaic methods often used in clinical settings.
Analyze the Chart: The bar chart visually compares the minimum and maximum healthy weights against the specific formula results.
Key Factors That Affect Results
When you calculate your weight with height, the number is a guideline, not a law. Several factors influence what your true "ideal" weight should be:
Muscle Mass: Muscle is denser than fat. An athlete may weigh more than the calculated "ideal" but still be very healthy with a low body fat percentage.
Frame Size: People with larger bone structures (large frame) naturally weigh more than those with small frames. Most formulas assume a medium frame.
Age: As we age, muscle mass tends to decrease and fat storage shifts. Slightly higher weights in older age can sometimes be protective against frailty.
Gender: Men generally have more muscle mass and heavier bone density than women, which is why formulas like Devine add a higher base weight for men.
Health Conditions: Certain conditions require different weight management strategies. Always consult a doctor if you have chronic health issues.
Pregnancy: These calculators are not applicable for pregnant women, who have specific weight gain guidelines based on their pre-pregnancy BMI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is BMI the best way to calculate weight with height?
BMI is the most common screening tool because it is simple and non-invasive. However, it does not distinguish between muscle and fat. It is excellent for general population statistics but less accurate for bodybuilders or athletes.
Why do different formulas give different results?
Formulas like Devine, Robinson, and Miller were developed in different decades using different population data. Devine (1974) is often used for drug dosing, while Robinson (1983) was a refinement based on later data.
Does this calculator apply to children?
No. Children and teenagers require specialized growth charts (percentiles) because their bodies are still developing. This calculator is intended for adults over 18.
What if my weight is above the calculated range?
Being above the range suggests you may be overweight or obese, or you may have high muscle mass. It is recommended to check your waist circumference and consult a healthcare provider for a full assessment.
What is the "Devine" formula?
The Devine formula is widely considered the standard for calculating Ideal Body Weight (IBW) in medical settings. It was originally created to estimate the clearance of drugs like gentamicin.
Can I change my ideal weight?
You cannot change your height or bone structure, but you can influence your body composition (muscle vs. fat). Focusing on body composition is often healthier than chasing a specific number on the scale.
How often should I check my weight?
Weekly weigh-ins are generally sufficient to track trends without causing obsession. Weight fluctuates daily due to hydration and digestion.
Does height affect metabolism?
Yes. Taller people generally have more body mass (skin, bone, muscle) and internal organ size, leading to a higher Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) compared to shorter individuals of the same BMI.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore more of our health and financial planning tools:
BMI Calculator – Calculate your Body Mass Index specifically.