Ideal Weight Calculator
'Ideal weight' varies depending on who you ask. This shows your ideal weight according to four different clinical formulas - Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi - plus the healthy BMI range for your height so you can see the full picture.
How to use
- Select your gender.
- Choose cm or feet and enter your height.
- Hit Calculate to see results from all four formulas side by side.
- The Devine formula is the one most commonly used by doctors and pharmacists if you're curious which to focus on.
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Ideal body weight (IBW) formulas were originally developed for clinical use, specifically to calculate drug dosages for patients. There is no single universally agreed-upon formula, but four are widely used: Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), Miller (1983), and Hamwi (1964). Each gives slightly different results. This calculator shows all four so you can see the range.
Beyond IBW formulas, a healthy weight is also defined as the weight range that keeps your BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. This range is broader than most IBW formulas and is a more practical target for most people. Note that ideal weight calculators do not account for muscle mass, bone density, or body fat distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
No single formula is universally most accurate. The Devine formula is most widely used in medical settings for drug dosing. For general health purposes, aiming for a BMI in the 18.5–24.9 range is more practical as it accounts for a wider healthy range.
Is ideal weight the same for men and women?
No. All IBW formulas give different values for men and women of the same height because men generally have greater bone density and muscle mass. For example, at 170 cm, the Devine formula gives approximately 65 kg for men and 59 kg for women.
What if I am more muscular than average?
IBW formulas and BMI do not account for muscle mass. A muscular person may exceed their ideal weight range while having very low body fat. In such cases, body fat percentage is a better indicator of health than weight alone.
How much weight should I aim to lose per week?
A safe and sustainable rate is 0.5–1 kg per week, achieved through a daily calorie deficit of 500–1,000 calories. Losing more than 1 kg per week often leads to muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and is difficult to maintain long-term.