Ideal Weight Calculator
How much should you weigh for your height? This ideal weight calculator shows the healthy weight range for your height based on BMI, and compares it with four classic formulas used by doctors and dietitians. Enter height in cm or feet and inches.
There is no single perfect number for ideal body weight. Muscle mass, bone structure, and age affect what is healthy. The BMI 18.5 to 24.9 range provides a healthy weight band, while clinical formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi) offer benchmark estimates.
Ideal Body Weight Range
Healthy BMI RangeRather than a single exact number, healthy weight is naturally a range that accommodates differences in bone structure, muscle mass, and age.
Devine (1974)
75 kg
Clinical standard
Robinson (1983)
72.6 kg
Empirical
Legacy Average
74.1 kg
4 formulas
Formulas Compared
| Formula | Basis | Ideal Weight |
|---|---|---|
| WHO Healthy BMI Range | BMI 18.5 – 24.9 (Recommended clinical range) | 59.9 kg – 80.7 kg |
| Devine Formula (1974) | Originally developed for medicinal dosing | 75 kg |
| Robinson Formula (1983) | Empirical modification of Devine | 72.6 kg |
| Miller Formula (1983) | Common alternative clinical formula | 71.5 kg |
| Hamwi Formula (1964) | Widely used rule of thumb | 77.3 kg |
| Average of Legacy Formulas | Mean across Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi | 74.1 kg |
BMI healthy range provides the modern global standard; legacy equations are medication dosing guidelines.
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Clinical Equations
WHO, CDC, ACSM & Mifflin-St Jeor
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How to use Ideal Weight Calculator
- 1Select your biological sex.
- 2Enter your height in cm or feet and inches.
- 3Review your healthy BMI weight range and compare Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formula estimates.
Why ideal weight is a range
There is no single ideal weight number that suits every body. Lean muscle mass, bone frame width, and age all influence what constitutes optimal metabolic health. The World Health Organization BMI range (18.5 to 24.9) provides a generous, evidence-backed band.
The historical formulas (Devine 1974, Robinson 1983, Miller 1983, Hamwi 1964) were originally developed for clinical pharmacology to calibrate drug dosages. They provide convenient reference points alongside the BMI range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal weight for 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)?
The healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) is about 52 to 70 kg (115 to 155 lb) for an adult.
Which ideal weight formula is best?
None is perfect. The BMI range is the most widely validated; Robinson and Miller tend to give slightly lower targets than Devine and Hamwi.
Does age change my ideal weight?
The adult BMI range doesn't change with age, but some geriatric research suggests slightly higher BMIs (25–27) may protect health for adults over 65. Consult your doctor.
Does frame size matter?
Yes, individuals with broader bone frames or greater muscularity can carry more weight comfortably within or slightly above the standard range.
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Scientific Sources & Evidence
- World Health Organization (WHO) — Body Mass Index Classification
- CDC Growth Charts — BMI-for-age LMS Percentiles
- Mifflin et al. (1990) — Basal Metabolic Rate Predictive Equations
- NICE Guideline NG246 — Identification and Management of Overweight and Obesity
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) — Exercise Testing & Prescription
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) — Dietary Reference Values for Water