Ideal Weight Calculator for Men & Women
Get your personalized ideal body weight range using 5 clinically validated medical formulas β Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi, and BMI method. Supports metric (kg/cm) and imperial (lbs/ft) units.
π Today's Health Context β April 30, 2026
For informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.
Calculate Ideal Weight
| Formula | Ideal Weight (kg) | In lbs |
|---|
β¦ Average of all five formulas is shown as your recommended ideal weight.
What Is an Ideal Body Weight Calculator?
An ideal body weight (IBW) calculator is a tool that estimates the healthiest weight for your specific height and sex. Unlike a simple BMI calculator β which tells you whether your current weight is in a healthy range β an ideal weight calculator gives you a target number to aim for, based on clinically validated formulas used in hospitals, sports medicine, and nutritional research.
Our free ideal weight calculator uses five internationally recognized medical formulas simultaneously: Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), Miller (1983), Hamwi (1964), and the BMI-based method (WHO). By averaging all five results, you get a balanced, evidence-based estimate rather than relying on any single formula.
How to Use the Ideal Weight Calculator
Using this tool is simple:
- Step 1: Select your unit system β Metric (kg/cm) or Imperial (lbs/ft/inches).
- Step 2: Choose your biological sex (male or female), as all five formulas differentiate by sex.
- Step 3: Enter your height in centimetres (or feet and inches for imperial).
- Step 4: Optionally enter your current weight to see your actual BMI status alongside your ideal weight.
- Step 5: Click "Calculate Ideal Weight" β results appear instantly with a full formula breakdown, BMI healthy range, and your current status on the weight spectrum.
The 5 Ideal Body Weight Formulas β Explained
Each formula was developed for a different clinical purpose. Here's how they work for a 5'9" (175 cm) male as an example:
1. Devine Formula (1974)
Female: IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 Γ (height_in β 60)
Originally developed for medication dosing calculations. For a 5'9" male: 50 + 2.3 Γ 9 = 70.7 kg (155.9 lbs). This is the most widely cited formula in clinical pharmacology.
2. Robinson Formula (1983)
Female: IBW = 49 kg + 1.7 Γ (height_in β 60)
A refinement of the Devine formula with slightly different coefficients. For a 5'9" male: 52 + 1.9 Γ 9 = 69.1 kg (152.3 lbs).
3. Miller Formula (1983)
Female: IBW = 53.1 kg + 1.36 Γ (height_in β 60)
Tends to give slightly higher ideal weights, more suitable for taller individuals. For a 5'9" male: 56.2 + 1.41 Γ 9 = 68.9 kg (151.9 lbs).
4. Hamwi Formula (1964)
Female: IBW = 45 kg + 2.2 Γ (height_in β 60)
One of the oldest clinical formulas, widely used in nutritional assessment. For a 5'9" male: 48 + 2.7 Γ 9 = 72.3 kg (159.4 lbs).
5. BMI-Based Method (WHO)
Where BMI_mid = 21.75 (midpoint of healthy range 18.5β24.9)
Calculates the weight corresponding to the exact midpoint of the WHO healthy BMI range. For a 175 cm person: 21.75 Γ (1.75)Β² = 66.5 kg (146.6 lbs). This method also provides the full healthy range (18.5β24.9).
WHO Healthy BMI Weight Classification
| BMI Range | Classification | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| < 18.5 | Underweight | Nutritional deficiency, bone density issues |
| 18.5 β 24.9 | Normal (Healthy) | Low risk β optimal health range |
| 25.0 β 29.9 | Overweight | Moderate risk β cardiovascular & metabolic |
| 30.0 β 34.9 | Obese Class I | High risk β diabetes, hypertension |
| β₯ 35.0 | Obese Class IIβIII | Very high risk β multiple comorbidities |
Ideal Weight Examples by Height
Here are average ideal weight ranges (using the 5-formula average) for common heights:
| Height | Male Ideal (kg) | Female Ideal (kg) | Healthy BMI Range (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" / 152 cm | 50β54 kg | 46β50 kg | 43β57 kg |
| 5'4" / 163 cm | 58β63 kg | 53β58 kg | 49β66 kg |
| 5'7" / 170 cm | 64β70 kg | 58β63 kg | 53β72 kg |
| 5'9" / 175 cm | 67β74 kg | 62β67 kg | 57β76 kg |
| 6'0" / 183 cm | 74β82 kg | 68β74 kg | 62β83 kg |
| 6'2" / 188 cm | 79β87 kg | 72β79 kg | 65β88 kg |
Limitations of Ideal Body Weight Formulas
These formulas were developed primarily on Western adult populations and have known limitations. They do not account for muscle mass β a professional athlete may weigh significantly more than their calculated "ideal" while being in excellent health. Body composition tools like DEXA scans or body fat percentage measurements provide a more complete picture.
Additionally, these formulas do not adjust for age. Older adults (65+) may benefit from slightly higher weights, as some research suggests BMI 22β27 is associated with lower mortality in this age group. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.