Ideal Weight Calculator
Range: 1 - 8
Range: 0 - 11
Average Ideal Weight
155 lbs
Based on all formulas
Healthy BMI Range
125 - 169 lbs
BMI 18.5 - 24.9
Results by Formula
| Formula | Ideal Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Devine | 156 lbs | Most commonly used in medicine |
| Robinson | 152 lbs | Modified Devine formula |
| Miller | 152 lbs | Latest revision (1983) |
| Hamwi | 159 lbs | Often used in nutrition |
| Average | 155 lbs | Mean of all formulas |
Weight Range Summary
Healthy weight range based on BMI 18.5-24.9
Formula Details
Devine (1974):Originally for drug dosage calculations. Men: 50 + 2.3 per inch over 5'. Women: 45.5 + 2.3 per inch over 5'.
Robinson (1983): Modified Devine with slightly different coefficients.
Miller (1983): Similar approach with updated research.
Hamwi (1964):Men: 106 lbs + 6 lbs per inch over 5'. Women: 100 lbs + 5 lbs per inch over 5'.
Important Notes
These formulas provide general guidelines and don't account for body composition, muscle mass, bone density, or individual health factors. A "healthy" weight varies significantly between individuals. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Calculator Assumptions
- Formulas:Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi equations designed for adults 5' (152 cm) and taller
- Historical context: Developed 1960s-1980s primarily for medication dosing, not body composition
- BMI range: Based on WHO guidelines (18.5-24.9); optimal BMI may differ by age and ethnicity
- Frame size: Not accounted for; individuals with larger bone structures may weigh more
- Athletes: Formulas underestimate healthy weight for muscular individuals
About the Ideal Weight Calculator
The Ideal Weight Calculator estimates a healthy target weight range for your height and gender using several established clinical formulas. Rather than relying on a single number, it typically computes results from the Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi equations and presents a range, since each formula was derived from different population data and yields slightly different figures. This gives you a more honest sense of where a reasonable weight target sits instead of one false-precision value.
Most ideal weight formulas are anchored to a baseline weight at five feet of height and then add a fixed amount per additional inch, with separate constants for men and women. For example, the classic Devine formula starts around 50 kg for men and 45.5 kg for women at five feet, adding roughly 2.3 kg per inch above that. Because these were originally built for drug-dosing rather than aesthetics, the calculator pairs well with a BMI Calculator and a Body Fat Calculator to give a fuller picture of body composition.
Common uses include setting realistic fitness goals, guiding medication dosing references, and giving a starting point for nutrition planning. Athletes and very muscular individuals should interpret results cautiously, because these height-based formulas do not account for lean mass and will often flag a healthy athlete as overweight. The same caveat applies to people with larger or smaller frame sizes.
A practical tip is to treat the calculated range as a corridor rather than a target line, and to combine it with measures like waist circumference and the TDEE Calculator when planning calorie intake. If you are trying to change weight, pair the ideal range with a Calorie Calculator to set a sustainable daily deficit or surplus rather than chasing an exact number on the scale.
Frequently asked questions
- Why do the different formulas give different numbers?
- Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi were each derived from different datasets and purposes, so they use different baseline weights and per-inch increments. The spread between them is normal and is why a range is shown rather than a single value.
- Is ideal weight the same as a healthy weight?
- Not exactly. Ideal weight formulas estimate a statistical reference for your height, while a healthy weight depends on body composition, muscle mass, and individual health markers. Use BMI and body fat estimates alongside it.
- Does this calculator account for muscle mass?
- No. Height-based formulas cannot distinguish muscle from fat, so very muscular people may exceed their calculated ideal weight while still being healthy. Pair the result with a body fat estimate for context.
- Which formula should I trust most?
- There is no single best one for everyone. The Devine formula is the most widely cited in clinical settings, but using the range across all formulas avoids over-relying on any one equation.