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🎯 Ideal Weight Calculator

Find your healthy weight range.

What is this tool?

The Ideal Weight Calculator estimates a healthy target weight for your height using established medical formulas and the normal Body Mass Index (BMI) range of 18.5–24.9. The concept of ideal body weight dates back to the 1940s, when life insurance tables linked body weight to longevity. Dr. B. J. Devine published his formula in 1974 to standardize drug dosing, and it remains the most widely used reference today. Because no single number defines health, this tool presents results from multiple formulas — including Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi — alongside the weight range that corresponds to a healthy BMI. This gives a broader, more realistic picture than any one formula alone. Ideal weight is not about appearance; it is a clinical reference point that helps individuals, dietitians, and clinicians set safe weight-management goals, estimate medication doses, and assess nutritional status. Your true ideal weight also depends on muscle mass, bone structure, age, and overall health, so use these numbers as guidelines rather than absolute targets.

How it works

The Devine formula is the most common: Men = 50 kg + 2.3 kg × (height in inches − 60); Women = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg × (height in inches − 60). For example, a 5 ft 10 in (70 in) man has an ideal weight of 50 + 2.3 × (70 − 60) = 73 kg (161 lb). The tool also shows the healthy BMI weight range: weight = BMI × height² (m²), for BMI 18.5 to 24.9.
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How to use

  1. Select metric or imperial units.
  2. Enter your height.
  3. Select your biological sex, because the formulas differ for men and women.
  4. Click Calculate to see your ideal weight from multiple formulas and the healthy BMI weight range for your height.
  5. Compare the results and use the range as a general target. Remember that frame size (small, medium, large) and muscle mass can shift your personal ideal weight, so treat the output as a guide for conversations with a healthcare provider.

Reference Table

HeightDevine Ideal Weight – MenDevine Ideal Weight – Women
5 ft 0 in (152 cm)50.0 kg / 110 lb45.5 kg / 100 lb
5 ft 4 in (163 cm)59.2 kg / 130 lb54.7 kg / 121 lb
5 ft 8 in (173 cm)68.4 kg / 151 lb63.9 kg / 141 lb
6 ft 0 in (183 cm)77.6 kg / 171 lb73.1 kg / 161 lb
6 ft 4 in (193 cm)86.8 kg / 191 lb82.3 kg / 181 lb

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my ideal weight vary between formulas?

Each formula was developed from different populations and assumptions about body composition. Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi may give slightly different numbers for the same height. This is why our tool shows several at once — the true ideal weight is better understood as a range rather than one fixed value.

Does frame size affect ideal weight?

Yes. People with a larger skeletal frame naturally carry more weight at the same height, while those with a smaller frame sit toward the lower end. You can estimate frame size by measuring elbow breadth or wrist circumference, then adjusting your target weight within the healthy BMI range accordingly.

Are these formulas accurate for muscular individuals?

Not entirely. Ideal-weight formulas assume average body composition, so very muscular people may appear overweight on paper despite low body fat. For athletes, body fat percentage and performance metrics are usually more meaningful than a single ideal-weight number.

Is ideal weight the same as a healthy weight?

Not exactly. Ideal weight is a formula-based estimate, while a healthy weight is a broader concept that includes how you feel, your metabolic markers, and your ability to perform daily activities. Use ideal weight as a reference, but prioritize overall health and function over hitting a specific number.

Tips & Advice

Think of ideal weight as a destination neighborhood, not a single address. The healthy BMI range often spans 10–15 kg (about 20–30 lb), so there is plenty of room for individual variation in muscle, bone structure, and body composition. Focus on habits that move you toward the range — consistent activity, balanced eating, and adequate sleep — rather than chasing a single number on the scale. If you strength train regularly, you may sit comfortably near the upper end of the range due to extra muscle, which is healthy. Always interpret ideal weight alongside how you feel, your energy levels, and guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

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