Gender affects the formulas for Ideal Body Weight (IBW).
Please enter a realistic height in feet (2-9).
Please enter valid inches (0-11).
Used to calculate your current BMI.
Please enter a valid weight (50-1000 lbs).
Ideal Body Weight (Devine Formula)
166 lbs
BMI Status: Overweight
Healthy Weight Range (BMI 18.5-25)
129 – 174 lbs
Your BMI Score
25.1
Difference from Ideal
+9 lbs
Formula Used: The Devine Formula (1974) is standard for medical dosage.
Male: 50kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5ft. Female: 45.5kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5ft.
Formula Name
Estimated Ideal Weight
Origin/Use Case
Figure 1: Comparison of your current weight against various ideal weight formulas and the healthy BMI range.
What is weight calculation based on height?
Weight calculation based on height is a method used by health professionals, insurance companies, and fitness enthusiasts to determine a "healthy" or "ideal" body mass for a specific stature. The most common metric is the Body Mass Index (BMI), but more specific formulas like the Devine, Robinson, and Miller equations are often used in clinical settings to estimate Ideal Body Weight (IBW).
This calculation is essential for individuals looking to assess their health risks. While no single number defines health, establishing a baseline helps in setting realistic fitness goals. It is important to note that these calculations generally do not account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition, meaning athletes may appear "overweight" by these standards despite being healthy.
Common Misconceptions: Many believe that if they are outside the "ideal" range, they are unhealthy. However, these figures are statistical averages. A bodybuilder with high muscle mass will weigh more than the formula predicts but may have a low body fat percentage.
Weight Calculation Based on Height Formula and Math
There are several ways to perform a weight calculation based on height. The most widely accepted clinical standard for Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is the Devine Formula, while the general public most often uses BMI.
1. The Devine Formula (1974)
Originally developed to calculate drug dosages, this formula has become the standard for IBW.
BMI calculates a score to categorize weight status.
Formula: Weight (kg) / (Height (m))²
Variable Definitions
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
H
Height
Inches or Meters
58 – 80 inches
W
Weight
Kg or Lbs
100 – 300 lbs
BMI
Body Mass Index
kg/m²
18.5 – 24.9 (Healthy)
Table 1: Key variables used in weight calculation based on height formulas.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Male, 5'10" (70 inches)
Consider a 30-year-old male who is 5 feet 10 inches tall.
Height: 70 inches
Base: 60 inches (5 feet)
Difference: 10 inches
Calculation (Devine): 50 kg + (2.3 kg × 10) = 50 + 23 = 73 kg
Conversion: 73 kg × 2.20462 = 160.9 lbs
Interpretation: For medical purposes, his ideal weight is approximately 161 lbs. If he weighs 200 lbs, he might be considered overweight unless he has significant muscle mass.
Example 2: Female, 5'4″ (64 inches)
Consider a female who is 5 feet 4 inches tall.
Height: 64 inches
Difference: 4 inches
Calculation (Devine): 45.5 kg + (2.3 kg × 4) = 45.5 + 9.2 = 54.7 kg
Conversion: 54.7 kg × 2.20462 = 120.6 lbs
Interpretation: Her calculated ideal weight is roughly 121 lbs. A healthy BMI range for her height would be anywhere between 108 lbs and 145 lbs.
How to Use This Weight Calculation Based on Height Calculator
Select Gender: Choose Male or Female. This adjusts the base weight in the Devine formula (50kg vs 45.5kg).
Enter Height: Input your height in Feet and Inches. Be precise, as small differences affect the outcome significantly.
Enter Current Weight: Input your weight in pounds. This is required to calculate your current BMI and compare it against the ideal.
Review Results:
The Primary Result shows your Ideal Body Weight based on the Devine formula.
The Metrics Grid shows your healthy weight range (BMI 18.5-24.9) and your current BMI score.
The Chart visualizes where your current weight sits compared to the "Healthy Zone".
Use these results as a starting point for discussions with a doctor or nutritionist. Do not use them to diagnose health conditions.
Key Factors That Affect Weight Calculation Results
While the calculator provides a mathematical baseline, several biological and environmental factors influence what your true "ideal" weight should be.
1. Muscle Mass vs. Body Fat
Muscle tissue is denser than fat tissue. An athlete with low body fat may weigh significantly more than the "ideal" weight calculation based on height suggests, yet be metabolically healthy.
2. Frame Size (Bone Density)
People with larger skeletal frames (broad shoulders, thick wrists) naturally weigh more. The Devine formula does not account for frame size, which is why a range (usually +/- 10%) is often applied to the result.
3. Age
As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass and gain fat. However, slightly higher weights in older adults have been associated with better survival rates in certain medical contexts, a phenomenon known as the "obesity paradox."
4. Gender Differences
Men typically have more muscle mass and heavier bones than women. This is why the Devine formula starts with a higher base weight (50kg) for men compared to women (45.5kg).
5. Fluid Retention
Weight can fluctuate by several pounds daily due to hydration levels, salt intake, and hormonal cycles. A single weight calculation based on height represents a snapshot in time.
6. Fat Distribution
Where you carry weight matters more than total weight. Visceral fat (around the organs) presents higher health risks than subcutaneous fat (under the skin). Waist-to-hip ratio is often a better predictor of heart health than weight alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is BMI the same as Ideal Body Weight (IBW)?
No. BMI is a range indicating whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on height. IBW formulas (like Devine) attempt to pinpoint a single specific target weight.
Why does the calculator ask for gender?
Men and women have different body compositions. Men generally have more lean mass, so the mathematical baseline for their ideal weight is set higher.
What if I am very short or very tall?
Formulas like Devine are most accurate for people of average height (5'0″ to 6'0″). For very short or very tall individuals, BMI ranges are often a more reliable metric than linear equations.
How often should I check my weight?
Checking once a week at the same time of day (usually morning) is sufficient to track trends without obsessing over daily fluctuations.
Does this calculator apply to children?
No. Children and teenagers use growth charts and percentiles because they are still developing. This tool is intended for adults over 18.
My weight is "Overweight" but I feel healthy. Why?
If you are active and have muscle mass, the "Overweight" label might be misleading. Focus on other health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and energy levels.
What is the Robinson Formula?
The Robinson formula (1983) is a modification of the Devine formula tailored more towards contemporary anthropometric data. It often results in slightly lower weight recommendations.
Can I use this for weight loss goals?
Yes, but use the "Healthy Weight Range" rather than a single number. Aiming for a weight within that range is a sustainable and flexible goal.
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