Ideal Weight Calculator

Your ideal body weight depends on height, sex, and frame size. This calculator uses the Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas to give you a range of ideal-weight estimates so you can set realistic, evidence-based goals.

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What Is Ideal Body Weight?

Ideal body weight (IBW) is a clinical estimate of the weight at which a person of a given height is statistically likely to experience the fewest weight-related health complications. Several formulas have been developed over the decades, each based on different study populations and assumptions. Rather than relying on a single number, comparing results from multiple formulas gives you a practical range to aim for.

IBW calculations were originally developed for pharmaceutical dosing and insurance actuarial tables, but they have since become popular goal-setting tools in fitness and weight management. Keep in mind that these formulas do not account for body composition; a highly muscular person may exceed their IBW while being perfectly healthy.

The Formulas

Devine Formula (1974)

  • Men: IBW (kg) = 50 + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60)
  • Women: IBW (kg) = 45.5 + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60)

Robinson Formula (1983)

  • Men: IBW (kg) = 52 + 1.9 × (height in inches − 60)
  • Women: IBW (kg) = 49 + 1.7 × (height in inches − 60)

Miller Formula (1983)

  • Men: IBW (kg) = 56.2 + 1.41 × (height in inches − 60)
  • Women: IBW (kg) = 53.1 + 1.36 × (height in inches − 60)

Hamwi Formula (1964)

  • Men: IBW (kg) = 48 + 2.7 × (height in inches − 60)
  • Women: IBW (kg) = 45.5 + 2.2 × (height in inches − 60)

Limitations

All IBW formulas assume a medium frame size and do not consider muscle mass, ethnicity, or age-related changes. They are best used as rough guides rather than strict targets. A healthy weight for you is ultimately one at which your biomarkers (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol) are within normal ranges and you feel energetic and functional. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ideal-weight formula is the most accurate?
No single formula is definitively the most accurate because each was derived from different populations. The Devine formula is the most commonly used in clinical settings, while Robinson and Miller tend to produce slightly more conservative estimates. Using the average of all four gives you a reasonable target range.
Does frame size affect my ideal weight?
Yes. People with larger bone structures naturally weigh more than those with smaller frames at the same height. Most IBW formulas assume a medium frame. You can estimate your frame size by measuring your wrist circumference and comparing it to standard charts.
Should I try to reach my exact ideal weight?
It is better to aim for a range rather than a single number. A weight within 10% of your calculated IBW is generally considered healthy. Focus on body composition, energy levels, and clinical markers rather than obsessing over a specific number on the scale.
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