How it works
“Ideal body weight” formulas were created by doctors to dose medicines and estimate nutrition needs, and they are now widely used as a weight goal. Each one starts from a base weight at 5 feet (152.4 cm) and adds a fixed amount for every inch above it.
ideal weight = base + per-inch amount × (height in inches − 60)| Formula (year) | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 50 kg + 2.3 kg/in | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg/in |
| Robinson (1983) | 52 kg + 1.9 kg/in | 49 kg + 1.7 kg/in |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg/in | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg/in |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 kg + 2.7 kg/in | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg/in |
Worked example. A man 175 cm tall is 175 ÷ 2.54 = 68.9 in, so 8.9 in above 5 ft. Devine: 50 + 2.3 × 8.9 = 70.5 kg; Robinson 68.9 kg; Miller 68.7 kg; Hamwi 72.0 kg. The average is 70.0 kg, and the healthy BMI range at 175 cm is 56.7–76.3 kg.
Which number should I aim for?
No single “ideal” weight exists. The formulas ignore age, muscle and frame size, so treat them as a reference point rather than a target. The BMI range of 18.5–24.9, also shown, is the WHO definition of a healthy weight for adults and is often more useful as a goal. Waist size matters too: a waist below half your height is a good sign regardless of weight.
- The formulas are for adults; they are not suitable for children or during pregnancy.
- Below 5 ft (152 cm) they are less reliable; the calculator uses the base weight.
- Athletes with high muscle mass may be healthy above these weights.
To see how many calories you need to reach a goal weight, use the calorie calculator; for your current BMI and body fat, the BMI calculator.