Ideal Weight Calculator

Why Different Formulas Give Different Results

There is no single universally agreed-upon "ideal weight" — different medical formulas were developed in different eras for different purposes. This calculator shows results from five widely used formulas so you can see the range of estimates and understand where they agree.

Most medical ideal weight formulas were developed in the 1960s–1980s primarily for drug dosing calculations. The BMI-based healthy weight range (18.5–24.9) is a broader, more modern standard that accounts for healthy variation in body composition.

Ideal Weight Formulas (metric converted from imperial)

Devine (Male): 50 + 2.3 × (height_in − 60) Devine (Female): 45.5 + 2.3 × (height_in − 60) Robinson: Male 52 + 1.9×overFive / Female 49 + 1.7×overFive Hamwi: Male 48 + 2.7×overFive / Female 45.5 + 2.2×overFive

Ideal Weight by Height (Male, Medium Frame)

Height	Devine	Robinson	BMI Range
160 cm	55.9 kg	58.0 kg	47–64 kg
170 cm	63.1 kg	65.8 kg	53–72 kg
175 cm	66.7 kg	69.6 kg	57–76 kg
180 cm	70.3 kg	73.3 kg	60–81 kg
185 cm	73.9 kg	77.0 kg	63–85 kg

Frequently Asked Questions

No single formula is universally most accurate. The BMI-based range (18.5–24.9) from the WHO is the most widely used modern standard because it applies to both sexes and all heights. The Devine formula is still commonly used in clinical settings for drug dosing. For general health, the BMI range and your healthcare provider's guidance are most relevant.

Ideal weight formulas provide useful reference points but should not be rigid goals. Individual factors like bone density, muscle mass, age, and genetics affect healthy weight. Many athletes and active people are 'overweight' by formula standards but have excellent health markers. Waist circumference and body fat percentage are often more meaningful health indicators.

Larger bone frames carry more weight even at the same height and body composition. Frame size is roughly estimated by wrist circumference: men with wrist < 16cm are small-framed; men with wrist > 19cm are large-framed. Large-framed individuals typically have ideal weights 10% higher than medium-framed.

Ideal weight is a single target number from specific formulas. Healthy weight range (based on BMI 18.5–24.9) is a broader range that encompasses healthy body compositions. The range is generally more useful because it acknowledges that many different weights can be healthy for the same height.