Health

Ideal Weight Calculator

Ideal weight from four classic formulas plus your healthy-BMI range.

Formula

Devine / Robinson / Miller / Hamwi formulas + healthy-BMI range

About this calculator

An ideal weight calculator gives you a target weight for your height and sex. There is no single "correct" answer, so this tool shows four of the most widely used published formulas — Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi — side by side, along with their average, so you can see the range rather than fixate on one number.

These equations were originally developed for medical use, such as calculating drug doses, and they all share the same structure: a base weight at five feet of height plus a fixed amount for each inch above that. They differ only in the constants, which is why they produce slightly different targets for the same person. Men's formulas return a higher figure than women's at the same height, reflecting typical differences in build.

Because these formulas assume an average frame and ignore muscle mass and body composition, this calculator also shows the healthy-weight range that corresponds to a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 for your height. That range is the modern, evidence-based band most clinicians rely on, and it is usually wider than any single formula's answer — a reminder that healthy weight is a range, not a single number. Treat all of these as reference points and discuss a realistic personal goal with a healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions

Why are there four different formulas?

The Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi equations were developed independently over the years and use slightly different constants. Showing all four, plus their average, gives a realistic range instead of a single false-precision number.

Which ideal-weight formula is best?

No single formula is definitive. The Devine formula is the most common in clinical settings, but for everyday use the healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) is generally the more meaningful target.

Do these account for muscle or body type?

No. Ideal-weight formulas assume an average frame and cannot tell muscle from fat. Muscular or larger-framed people may sit above the figure while still being healthy — pair it with a body-fat measure for context.

Should I aim for the exact number?

Treat it as a reference point, not a strict goal. The healthy BMI range gives a sensible band; where you sit within it depends on your build, activity and health, best discussed with a professional.

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⚠️ Ideal-weight estimates are general guidance, not medical advice, and do not account for muscle mass or body composition. Consult a healthcare professional for a personal target.

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