Free calculator
Ideal weight calculator
Enter your height and sex to see a healthy weight range from four common formulas, plus your healthy BMI range.
The lowest and highest of four common formulas. They disagree, so use the range, not one number.
- Devine (1974)156 lb
- Robinson (1983)152 lb
- Miller (1983)152 lb
- Hamwi (1964)159 lb
How to use your range
- The big number is the lowest to the highest of the four formulas, because the formulas disagree.
- The healthy BMI range is a second view of the same question, based on 18.5 to 24.9 for your height.
- The waist rule of thumb (under half your height) is a simple screen, not a diagnosis.
More tools: all calculators.
Questions
What is ideal body weight?
It is an estimated weight for your height from a simple formula. Several formulas exist and they give slightly different answers, so a range is more honest than one number.
Which formula is most accurate?
None is the best for everyone. Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi were built from small samples and ignore muscle, bone size and age.
Is the healthy BMI range the same thing?
It is a related but separate method. The healthy BMI range (18.5 to 24.9) turns into a weight range for your height. We show both so you can compare.
Should I aim for this number?
Treat it as a rough guide. Your doctor can set a goal that fits your health, age and body.
Sources
- Devine BJ. Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intell Clin Pharm, 1974.
- Robinson JD et al. Determination of ideal body weight for drug dosage calculations. Am J Hosp Pharm, 1983.
- Miller DR et al. Determination of ideal body weight. Am J Hosp Pharm, 1983.
- Hamwi GJ. Therapy: changing dietary concepts. Diabetes Mellitus: Diagnosis and Treatment, 1964.
- CDC. Adult BMI categories. link