How is ideal weight calculated?

Several formulas exist. Robinson (1983), Miller (1983), and Devine (1974) are the most commonly used. They are all based on height and sex. Our calculator shows results from all three formulas and their average.

What is a healthy BMI weight range?

The healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) corresponds to a specific weight range for each height. We display this alongside the formula-based ideal weights for a complete picture.

Are ideal weight formulas accurate?

These formulas are estimates derived from population data. They do not account for body composition, frame size, or muscle mass. Use them as a rough guide rather than a strict target.

Does height affect ideal weight?

Yes, ideal weight increases with height. Most formulas add a fixed amount of weight per centimetre or inch above a base height value.

Ideal Weight Calculator — Healthy Weight Range by Height

Height

Ideal Weight Range

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Average across formulas

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Robinson Formula

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Miller Formula

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Devine Formula

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Healthy BMI Range

About the Ideal Weight Calculator

Ideal body weight formulas estimate a target weight range based on height, using established medical reference values. These formulas were originally developed for drug dosing calculations (where the correct dose depends on lean body mass), not as fitness targets. They provide a useful reference range, but healthy weight varies significantly based on muscle mass, bone density, age, and body composition.

Common ideal weight formulas

Devine formula (most common clinically) — Male: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. Female: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet.
Robinson formula — Male: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet. Female: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet.
BMI-based range — the weight range corresponding to a healthy BMI of 18.5-24.9. Gives a range rather than a single target.

Why ideal weight has limitations

Ideal weight formulas do not account for body composition. A muscular athlete and a sedentary person of identical height can have the same formula-derived ideal weight despite very different body fat percentages. Use these values as a rough reference alongside BMI, waist circumference, and professional medical assessment.

Healthier alternatives to ideal weight

Rather than targeting a specific ideal weight, most health professionals now recommend focusing on health behaviours: regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and not smoking. These factors predict health outcomes far better than reaching a formula-derived weight target. Body composition (the ratio of fat to lean mass) matters more than total weight.

Waist-to-height ratio — waist circumference should be less than half your height; a simple and validated predictor
Body composition — muscle weighs more than fat; a "heavy" muscular person may be healthier than a "light" sedentary one
VO2 max — cardiorespiratory fitness is a stronger mortality predictor than weight or BMI
Metabolic health markers — blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol, and HbA1c matter more than weight alone

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal weight for my height?

There is no single number — healthy weight exists as a range depending on frame, muscle mass, and body composition. A common reference is the BMI 18.5-24.9 range: for a 170 cm person, this is approximately 53-72 kg. Use the BMI Calculator alongside this tool for a more complete picture.

What is the Devine formula for ideal body weight?

Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch of height above 5 feet. Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch above 5 feet. Example: a 5ft 10in man: 50 + (10 x 2.3) = 73 kg. This formula was designed for clinical drug dosing, not as a fitness or diet target.

Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?

Not exactly. Ideal weight formulas give a single reference number; healthy weight is a range. Neither metric accounts for body composition. You can be within the ideal weight range but have high body fat, or above it due to healthy muscle mass.

Can I be healthy above my ideal weight?

Yes. Fitness level, cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and blood sugar are better predictors of health outcomes than weight alone. Many muscular individuals exceed formula-derived ideal weights while being very healthy. Consult a doctor for a full personalised health assessment.

How do I calculate ideal weight manually using the Devine formula?

Count inches above 5 feet. Multiply by 2.3. Add 50 (men) or 45.5 (women). Example: a 5 ft 7 in woman: 7 inches over 5 feet. 45.5 + (7 x 2.3) = 45.5 + 16.1 = 61.6 kg.