Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your ideal body weight using multiple formulas.
How to Use Ideal Weight Calculator
- 1Select your gender
- 2Enter your height
- 3Choose metric or imperial
- 4Click Calculate to see ideal weight estimates from multiple formulas
About Ideal Weight Calculator
The Ideal Weight Calculator estimates a healthy target weight using four medically recognized formulas: Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), Miller (1983), and Hamwi (1964). Each formula was developed for different clinical contexts, so showing all four gives a realistic range rather than a single arbitrary number.
The calculator also shows the BMI-based healthy weight range (BMI 18.5-24.9) for your height, which is the most widely referenced clinical standard today. Seeing all five estimates side by side helps contextualize what a "healthy weight" might mean for your body.
All processing runs entirely in your browser with no data transmitted anywhere. Your height and gender are used only for the calculation and are never stored or shared.
Key Features of Ideal Weight Calculator
- Calculates ideal weight using Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas
- Shows BMI-based healthy weight range (18.5-24.9) alongside formula results
- Supports both metric (cm, kg) and imperial (ft/in, lb) input
- Results for both male and female profiles
- Compares all five estimates side by side for perspective
- Instant results as inputs change
- Useful as a starting point for weight management discussions
- No personal data stored or transmitted
Examples
Ideal weight for a male at 180 cm
See the range of ideal weight estimates for an average-height man.
Input
Male, 180 cm
Output
Devine: 75 kg | Robinson: 74 kg | Miller: 70 kg | Hamwi: 78 kg | BMI range: 60-80 kg
Ideal weight for a female at 165 cm
Find ideal weight estimates for a woman of average height.
Input
Female, 165 cm
Output
Devine: 58.5 kg | Robinson: 56 kg | Miller: 56 kg | Hamwi: 57 kg | BMI range: 50-68 kg
Common Use Cases
- Getting a reference weight range to discuss with a healthcare provider
- Understanding historical clinical ideal weight formulas in context
- Setting a realistic initial weight goal based on multiple estimates
- Comparing different formula outputs to understand the variability
- Evaluating whether a current weight falls within typical healthy ranges
- Using as a complement to BMI for a more nuanced weight assessment
Troubleshooting
Treating any single formula result as a prescriptive target
Solution
Ideal weight formulas are population-level estimates and do not account for body composition, muscle mass, or individual health conditions. Use the results as a general reference range, not a precise target.
Ignoring the BMI range in favor of a single formula result
Solution
The BMI healthy range (18.5-24.9) is the most widely used clinical standard and gives a broader acceptable range. The formula-specific points are more conservative estimates.
Comparing ideal weight between different height inputs
Solution
Ideal weight scales with height for all formulas. Only compare results for the same height and gender to make meaningful comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ideal weight formula should I use?
Each formula was developed for different clinical purposes. The BMI range (18.5-24.9) is the most current standard. The Devine and Robinson formulas are commonly used in pharmacy for drug dosing. Use the range of all results for perspective.
What is the Devine formula?
The Devine formula (1974) estimates ideal body weight for drug dosing: males: 50 + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet; females: 45.5 + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet.
What is the Hamwi formula?
The Hamwi formula is commonly used in clinical dietetics. For males: 48 kg for 5 feet + 2.7 kg per additional inch. For females: 45.5 kg for 5 feet + 2.2 kg per additional inch.
Are these formulas applicable to everyone?
These formulas were derived from population averages and do not account for muscle mass, body composition, ethnicity, or individual health conditions. Athletes and very muscular individuals may have healthy weights above these estimates.
What is the BMI healthy weight range?
The BMI healthy weight range is the weight span corresponding to BMI values between 18.5 and 24.9. It is calculated as BMI x height^2 using both boundary values.
Is ideal weight the same as target weight for weight loss?
Not necessarily. A clinically recommended weight loss goal should be based on health markers and set collaboratively with a healthcare provider, not solely on an ideal weight formula.
Why do the four formulas give different results?
Each formula was developed independently with different patient populations and clinical purposes. The variation reflects genuine uncertainty in what constitutes a universal "ideal" weight.
Is my data private?
Yes. All calculations run entirely in your browser. Your height and gender are never transmitted to or stored on any server.