Free tool
Ideal weight calculator
See what four classic formulas say, plus the healthy-weight range for your height. Then remember: healthy comes in more than one size.
Where these formulas come from
"Ideal body weight" formulas were created between the 1960s and 1980s. Doctors mostly used them to figure out medicine doses, not to set weight goals. Each one starts with a base weight for someone 5 feet tall, then adds a set amount for each inch over 5 feet.
| Formula | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch |
| Robinson (1983) | 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch | 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch |
Why we lead with a range
A single number can feel like a test you're failing. The healthy BMI range (18.5 to 24.9) gives you a span of weights that the CDC links with lower health risk. For many people, losing even 5% of their current weight brings real health gains, long before they reach any "ideal" number.
Common questions
Which formula is the most accurate?
None is perfect. They give slightly different answers because they were built from different groups of people. Looking at all four, plus the BMI range, gives a fairer picture.
Why does it say my ideal weight is lower than I expected?
These formulas don't account for muscle, frame size, or age. If you're strong or have a larger frame, a healthy weight for you may be above these numbers.
I'm shorter than 5 feet. Why don't I see the formulas?
The formulas were designed for people 5 feet and taller, so their results aren't reliable below that. We show the BMI range instead.
A note on safetyThis tool gives general estimates for healthy adults. It isn't medical advice. If you're pregnant, under 18, have a health condition, or take medicine that affects your weight or fluids, ask your doctor what's right for you.