Ideal Weight Calculator

Ideal body weight (IBW) is a clinical estimate of how much a person should weigh based on their height and sex. Healthcare professionals use IBW formulas for medication dosing, nutritional planning, and general health screening. This calculator applies four widely used formulas — Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi — and averages the results to give you a well-rounded estimate.

Reviewed by GetHealthyCalculators Editorial Team · Updated April 14, 2026

Quick Answer

Your ideal weight depends on height and formula used. Four clinical formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi) typically place healthy adults between 110–180 lbs.

These results are estimates based on general formulas and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making health decisions.

How the Formula Works

Measure your height. All four formulas use height in inches above 5 feet (60 inches) as their base variable.
delta = height (inches) - 60
Devine Formula (1974): The most widely used IBW formula, originally developed for drug dosing calculations.
Male: 50.0 + 2.3 × (height_in - 60) kg | Female: 45.5 + 2.3 × (height_in - 60) kg
Robinson Formula (1983): A refinement of the Devine formula with adjusted coefficients.
Male: 52.0 + 1.9 × (height_in - 60) kg | Female: 49.0 + 1.7 × (height_in - 60) kg
Miller Formula (1983): Produces slightly higher estimates, especially for taller individuals.
Male: 56.2 + 1.41 × (height_in - 60) kg | Female: 53.1 + 1.36 × (height_in - 60) kg
Hamwi Formula (1964): One of the earliest IBW formulas, commonly used in clinical nutrition.
Male: 48.0 + 2.7 × (height_in - 60) kg | Female: 45.5 + 2.2 × (height_in - 60) kg

Limitations

These formulas do not account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. Athletes and muscular individuals may have a healthy weight well above formula estimates.
All four formulas were developed using data from specific (primarily U.S. adult) populations and may not be equally accurate across ethnicities and body frames.
The formulas are designed for adults and are not appropriate for children, adolescents, or pregnant women.
Ideal weight is a clinical approximation, not a definitive health indicator. BMI, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio provide additional context.
Most of these equations were created for medication dosing rather than body-composition goals, so they can lag behind modern health-weight ranges in taller or more muscular individuals.
Individual health should be assessed by a qualified healthcare provider who can consider your complete medical history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ideal body weight and why does it matter?

Ideal body weight (IBW) is a clinical estimate of a healthy weight based on height and sex. It was originally developed for pharmaceutical dosing but is now widely used in nutrition and fitness. IBW provides a general reference point, though individual healthy weight depends on factors like muscle mass, age, and overall health.

Why are there four different ideal weight formulas?

Each formula was developed by different researchers at different times using different study populations. Devine (1974) is the most commonly cited, Robinson (1983) and Miller (1983) refined the approach, and Hamwi (1964) is one of the earliest. Using multiple formulas gives a more balanced estimate than relying on just one.

Which ideal weight formula is the most accurate?

No single formula is universally most accurate. The Devine formula is the most widely used in clinical settings, but Robinson and Miller may provide more realistic estimates for many people. Averaging all four formulas is a practical approach that reduces the bias of any single method.

What if my weight is significantly different from the ideal weight estimate?

These formulas provide general estimates and do not account for individual factors like muscle mass, body frame size, or fitness level. If your weight differs significantly from the estimate, consider consulting a healthcare provider who can evaluate your body composition, health markers, and individual circumstances.

Do these formulas work for very tall or very short people?

These formulas are most accurate for people of average height ranges (approximately 5'0" to 6'2"). For individuals significantly taller or shorter, the linear extrapolation may produce less reliable estimates. In such cases, BMI-based assessments or clinical evaluation may be more appropriate.

How do ideal weight formulas compare to BMI?

IBW formulas output a single weight for your height and sex, while BMI gives a range (18.5–24.9 kg/m²). The Devine target for a 5'10" male (72 kg) falls near the lower end of his BMI-healthy range (59–80 kg), which is why IBW can seem conservative for muscular people.

Should athletes use these ideal weight numbers?

Not as a target. Athletes — especially in strength, rugby, or football — carry additional lean mass that ideal-weight formulas don't model. Body fat percentage and performance metrics are more informative anchors.

Do these formulas apply to older adults?

Use with caution. Height declines with age (roughly 1 cm per decade after 40), and sarcopenia can change lean-to-fat ratios. Older adults should discuss a reasonable weight range with their primary-care provider rather than aim for a single number.

When should I consult a healthcare professional about my weight?

If you have unexplained weight changes, are considering a restrictive diet, have a history of disordered eating, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or manage a chronic condition (diabetes, CKD, heart failure), work with a physician or registered dietitian rather than relying on any calculator alone.

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Ideal Weight Calculator

How the Formula Works

Limitations

Frequently Asked Questions

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