Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is a weight range that is considered optimal for health based on your height and gender. It was originally developed for medical dosages but is now widely used for general health assessment.

There is no single "perfect" weight for everyone. This calculator provides estimates based on four established scientific formulas.

How it Works

All formulas are based on height over 5 feet (60 inches).

Robinson (1983)

Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5ft

Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5ft

Miller (1983)

Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5ft

Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5ft

Devine (1974)

Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5ft

Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5ft

Hamwi (1964)

Men: 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5ft

Women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5ft

Example Calculation

Let's calculate the Ideal Weight for a 5'10" (70 inches) Male using the Devine Formula.

Base weight (for 5ft): 50 kg
Height over 5ft: 70 - 60 = 10 inches
Additional weight: 10 × 2.3 kg = 23 kg
Total: 50 + 23 = 73 kg
In lbs: 73 × 2.20462 ≈ 161 lbs

According to the Devine formula, the ideal weight is approximately 73 kg (161 lbs).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ideal Body Weight?

Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is a weight range considered optimal for health based on height and gender.

Which ideal weight formula is best?

The Devine formula is most commonly used medically, but Robinson and Miller are also popular. None is perfect for everyone.

Does this calculator account for age?

No, traditional ideal weight formulas like Devine and Hamwi are based only on height and gender, not age.

Is being over my ideal weight bad?

Not necessarily. If the extra weight is muscle mass, you may be healthy. BMI and body fat percentage offer more context.

How does frame size affect ideal weight?

People with larger bone structures can carry more weight. These formulas typically assume a medium frame size.