Health Calculator

Ideal Weight Calculator

Compare four established ideal-body-weight formulas with a BMI-based healthy range to get broader context for your height.

Enter your height

Choose units and sex used by the traditional formulas.

cm
Clear

About this calculator

How to use this tool, plus the formulas and logic behind the results.

Tool description

The Ideal Weight Calculator compares Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi ideal-body-weight formulas and shows a BMI-based healthy weight range for your height.

How to use

  1. Choose metric or US units and select sex.
  2. Enter height (at least 5 ft / 152.4 cm for these formulas).
  3. Select Calculate Ideal Weight to compare formula results.
  4. Review the chart below for height-based reference ranges.

Formulas & reference

  • Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi each use height and sex coefficients
  • Healthy BMI range weight = BMI × height(m)² for BMI 18.5 and 24.9

Calculation logic

Height is converted to the units each formula expects. Results are guidelines from population formulas and should be interpreted with clinical context.

Ideal Weight FAQ

What Is an Ideal Weight Calculator?

An Ideal Weight Calculator estimates a healthy body weight based on factors such as your height, sex, and sometimes age. Most calculators use established formulas like Devine, Robinson, Miller, or Hamwi to provide an estimated ideal weight range. While the result is only a guideline, it can help you set realistic health and fitness goals.

How Is Ideal Weight Calculated?

Ideal weight is calculated using mathematical formulas developed from population studies rather than direct measurements of body fat or overall health. Most calculators use your height and biological sex to estimate a healthy weight. Some calculators also compare results from multiple formulas to provide a more balanced estimate.

Which Ideal Weight Formula Is the Most Accurate?

There isn't a single formula that's considered the most accurate for everyone. The Devine Formula is widely used in medical settings, while the Robinson and Miller formulas often provide slightly different estimates. Since every person's body composition is unique, it's helpful to compare results from several formulas instead of relying on just one.

Is Ideal Weight the Same as Healthy Weight?

Not always. Ideal weight is an estimated value based on mathematical formulas, while healthy weight considers additional factors such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, overall fitness, and medical history. Two people with the same weight may have very different levels of health.

Is Ideal Weight the Same as BMI?

No. BMI measures the relationship between your height and weight to classify weight status, while ideal weight estimates what your body weight might be based on specific formulas. They are related but serve different purposes. Many people use both measurements together for a more complete picture.

Can I Use an Ideal Weight Calculator to Lose Weight?

Yes. An Ideal Weight Calculator can provide a target weight to help you set realistic goals. However, healthy weight loss should focus on gradual progress, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity rather than trying to reach an exact number as quickly as possible.

Does Age Affect Ideal Weight?

Most traditional ideal weight formulas do not include age. However, age can influence body composition, muscle mass, and metabolism. While your calculated ideal weight may stay the same, your overall health goals may change as you get older.

Why Is My Ideal Weight Different on Other Calculators?

Different calculators often use different formulas, such as Devine, Robinson, Miller, or Hamwi. Since each formula was developed using different research and assumptions, it's normal to see small differences between calculators. These variations are expected and don't necessarily mean one result is more accurate than another.

Is Ideal Weight Different for Men and Women?

Yes. Most ideal weight formulas account for biological sex because men and women typically have different body compositions. Men generally have more lean muscle mass, which can result in a higher estimated ideal weight compared to women of the same height.

Can Athletes Use an Ideal Weight Calculator?

Athletes can use an Ideal Weight Calculator as a general reference, but the results may not accurately reflect their ideal body weight. People with higher muscle mass often weigh more than standard formulas predict while still maintaining excellent health.

Does Muscle Affect Ideal Weight?

Yes. Muscle is denser than body fat, so people with more lean muscle may weigh more without being overweight. This is one reason why ideal weight formulas should be viewed as guidelines rather than strict targets.

Should I Try to Reach My Exact Ideal Weight?

Not necessarily. A healthy weight range is usually more realistic than a single number. Your overall health, fitness level, energy, and body composition are often more important than reaching an exact calculated weight.

Is Being Below My Ideal Weight Unhealthy?

Being below your estimated ideal weight doesn't automatically mean you're unhealthy. However, being significantly underweight may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies, reduced muscle mass, or other health concerns. If you're unsure, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.

Is Being Above My Ideal Weight Unhealthy?

Not always. Some people naturally weigh more because of greater muscle mass or larger body frames. While being significantly above your ideal weight may increase certain health risks, weight alone doesn't determine overall health.

Can Children Use an Ideal Weight Calculator?

Most Ideal Weight Calculators are designed for adults. Children's healthy weight is usually assessed using age- and sex-specific growth charts rather than adult formulas. Parents should consult a pediatric healthcare provider for guidance about a child's growth.

How Often Should I Check My Ideal Weight?

You don't need to calculate your ideal weight frequently. It's usually enough to recalculate if your height measurements change during adolescence or if you're reviewing your long-term health or fitness goals. For most adults, the estimated ideal weight remains relatively stable.

Is Ideal Weight Based Only on Height?

Most traditional formulas primarily use height and biological sex to estimate ideal weight. They generally do not account for factors such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, genetics, or body frame size, which can all influence what is considered a healthy weight.

Can I Build Muscle Above My Ideal Weight?

Yes. People who regularly perform strength training may weigh more than their calculated ideal weight because muscle is denser than fat. Being above your estimated ideal weight doesn't necessarily mean you're unhealthy if your body composition and overall fitness are good.

Which Formula Does This Calculator Use?

This calculator may use one or more established formulas, such as Devine, Robinson, Miller, or Hamwi, to estimate your ideal weight. Displaying results from multiple formulas can help provide a broader perspective since no single equation is perfect for everyone.

Can an Ideal Weight Calculator Replace Medical Advice?

No. An Ideal Weight Calculator provides an estimate based on mathematical formulas and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns, chronic conditions, or questions about your ideal weight, consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.