Ideal Weight Calculator

Find your healthy and ideal body weight with our easy-to-use calculator. Using medically-inspired formulas like the Devine formula, this tool provides a personalized estimate based on your height and gender. Use this as a starting point for setting realistic and safe fitness goals.

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Published: January 15, 2025 Updated: January 15, 2025 Reviewed by: Health & Nutrition Specialist

Calculate Your Ideal Weight

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Feet
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Inches
These formulas use different baseline weights for males and females
The Devine formula is most commonly used in clinical practice

Body frame size can adjust the healthy range. This is an optional, subjective measure.

Your Results

Your Ideal Weight

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Healthy Weight Range

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Calculation Summary

Height --
Gender --
Formula --
Body Frame --

Calculation Method

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Formula Comparison

Compare your ideal weight across all three medical formulas:

Formula Ideal Weight

How It Works

Ideal weight formulas were developed to estimate a healthy weight for a given height. The most popular, the Devine formula, suggests a baseline weight and then adds a certain amount for each inch over 5 feet, with different values for men and women. Our calculator uses this and other established formulas to give you a reliable estimate.

The Devine formula calculates ideal weight as follows:

  • For Males: 50 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet (60 inches)
  • For Females: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet (60 inches)

Inputs Explained

Height

Your total height. Use either imperial (feet and inches) or metric (centimeters) for convenience. The calculator will convert between units automatically.

Gender

These formulas use different baseline weights for males and females, so this is a required input. The difference accounts for average physiological differences in body composition.

Formula

Choose which formula to use. The Devine formula is the most common, but others like Robinson or Miller are also widely used in clinical settings.

Body Frame Size

Optional adjustment for your body frame. Small, medium, or large frames can affect your healthy weight range by accounting for bone density and structure.

Example Calculation

Example: For a 5'10" (178 cm) male using the Devine formula:

Height over 60 inches = 70 - 60 = 10 inches

Ideal Weight = 50 kg + (2.3 kg × 10) = 50 + 23 = 73 kg

This results in an ideal weight of 73 kg (approximately 161 lbs), with a healthy range of 66-80 kg (145-177 lbs).

Tips & Notes

  • Statistical Guideline: Ideal weight is a statistical guideline, not a strict rule. It doesn't account for individual differences like muscle mass or bone density.
  • Athletes & Active Individuals: Athletes or individuals with high muscle mass may weigh more than their calculated ideal weight and still be perfectly healthy. Muscle weighs more than fat.
  • Comprehensive Assessment: Always combine this estimate with other health metrics like Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat percentage for a more complete picture of your health.
  • Consult Professionals: For personalized health advice, especially if you're planning significant weight changes, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian.
  • Body Composition Matters: Two people of the same height and weight can have very different body compositions. Focus on overall health, not just the number on the scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Devine formula (1974) is the most widely used and accepted formula for calculating ideal body weight. It was developed by Dr. B.J. Devine for medication dosing purposes and has become the gold standard in clinical practice. However, the Robinson (1983) and Miller (1983) formulas are also considered accurate alternatives. All three formulas provide similar results, typically within a few pounds of each other.

Your ideal weight depends on your height, gender, and body frame size. For example, using the Devine formula, a 5'10" (178 cm) male would have an ideal weight of approximately 161 lbs (73 kg), with a healthy range of 145-177 lbs. A 5'6" (168 cm) female would have an ideal weight of approximately 130 lbs (59 kg), with a healthy range of 117-143 lbs. These are statistical guidelines and individual variation is normal.

Ideal weight is a specific calculated value based on height and gender using medical formulas. Healthy weight is a broader range (typically ±10% of the ideal weight) that accounts for natural variation in body composition, bone density, and muscle mass. Being within the healthy weight range is generally considered more realistic and achievable than hitting an exact ideal weight number.

Yes, body frame size can influence your healthy weight range. People with larger frames typically have heavier bones and more muscle mass, which can add 8-12% to their healthy weight range. Those with smaller frames may be healthier at weights 8-10% below the calculated ideal. However, frame size is subjective and difficult to measure accurately. It's best used as a general adjustment factor rather than a precise measurement.

No, this calculator is designed for adults only (ages 18 and above). The Devine, Robinson, and Miller formulas were developed for adult populations and are not appropriate for children or adolescents. For children and teens, pediatric growth charts and BMI-for-age percentiles are more appropriate measures. Always consult a pediatrician for children's weight-related questions.

Disclaimer

Important: This calculator provides an estimate based on established mathematical formulas and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Body composition and overall health are complex. For a personalized health assessment, please consult a doctor or a registered dietitian. Individual factors such as muscle mass, bone density, and overall fitness level significantly impact what constitutes a healthy weight for you.

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