Ideal Weight Calculator: Find Your Healthy Weight for Your Height
Use this free ideal weight calculator to find the healthy weight range for your height. It compares four trusted medical formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi) with the healthy BMI range recommended by the World Health Organization. Enter your height and sex, and optionally your current weight to see how far you are from your range. Works in imperial (lbs, ft) and metric (kg, cm).
Your BMI on a scale of 15 to 40: blue = underweight, green = healthy, yellow = overweight, red = obese.
Ideal weight by formula
Estimates only. Ideal weight depends on muscle mass, bone structure, age and health. Use these numbers as a guide, not a rule.
What Is Ideal Body Weight?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is an estimate of the weight that is healthiest for your height and sex. It was originally developed in the 1950s to 1980s for medical purposes such as calculating drug dosages, not as a beauty standard. Today it is often used as a rough target for people who want to know if their weight is in a healthy zone.
Because every formula uses only height and sex, the results are a starting point. Muscle, bone density, age and body fat distribution all affect what a healthy weight looks like for you.
The Ideal Weight Formulas Explained
All four formulas below calculate ideal weight in kilograms, based on how many inches your height is over 5 feet (60 inches).
Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft
Robinson (1983)
Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 ft
Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 ft
Miller (1983)
Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 ft
Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 ft
Hamwi (1964)
Men: 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 ft
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 ft
- Devine is the most widely used in medicine, especially for dosing calculations.
- Robinson and Miller are modifications of Devine based on later data and tend to give slightly different results at tall or short heights.
- Hamwi is one of the oldest and introduced the idea of adjusting for body frame by plus or minus 10%.
This calculator averages all four to give a balanced estimate and shows the full range, so you can see how much the formulas disagree.
Healthy BMI Range
The World Health Organization defines a healthy adult BMI as 18.5 to 24.9. The calculator converts that range into a weight for your height, which is often a more practical target than a single number.
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25 - 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 and above | Obese |
Some health organizations in Asia use lower cut-offs because health risks can rise at lower BMIs in many Asian populations. For example, a BMI of 23 or above may be considered overweight in these guidelines. If this applies to you, aim for the lower half of the healthy range.
Healthy Weight Chart by Height
Quick reference for the healthy BMI range (18.5 to 24.9) at common heights:
| Height | Healthy weight (lbs) | Healthy weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 95 - 127 lbs | 43 - 58 kg |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 101 - 136 lbs | 46 - 62 kg |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 108 - 145 lbs | 49 - 66 kg |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 115 - 154 lbs | 52 - 70 kg |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 122 - 164 lbs | 55 - 74 kg |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 129 - 174 lbs | 58 - 79 kg |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 136 - 184 lbs | 62 - 83 kg |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 144 - 194 lbs | 65 - 88 kg |
Limits of Ideal Weight and BMI
- They ignore muscle. Muscular people can weigh more than their "ideal" and still be very healthy and lean.
- They ignore where fat is stored. Fat around the waist carries more health risk than fat on the hips and thighs.
- They ignore age. Slightly higher weights in older adults are not necessarily unhealthy.
- They ignore body composition. A person at a "normal" weight can still have high body fat.
For a fuller picture, combine your weight with your body fat percentage, waist measurement, strength, energy and blood markers checked by your doctor.
How to Reach a Healthy Weight
- Set a realistic goal. Aim to lose or gain about 0.5-1% of body weight per week at most.
- Know your numbers. Find your maintenance calories with the TDEE calculator, then eat slightly below (to lose) or above (to gain).
- Prioritize protein and strength training. This helps you lose fat or gain weight as muscle instead of only fat.
- Walk daily and sleep well. These habits support weight control and recovery.
- Track trends, not days. Use a weekly average of your weight.
- Get professional support if you are well under or over your healthy range, or have a medical condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ideal Weight
What is my ideal weight for my height?
It depends on your sex and height. For example, a 5'8" (173 cm) man has a healthy BMI range of about 122-164 lbs (55-74 kg), and the formulas usually suggest an ideal weight around 150 lbs (68 kg). Use the calculator above for your personal result.
Which ideal weight formula is the most accurate?
No single formula is the most accurate for everyone. Devine is the most commonly used, while Robinson and Miller adjust it slightly. Averaging them, as this calculator does, gives a balanced estimate.
Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?
Not exactly. Ideal weight is a single estimated number, while healthy weight is usually a range, such as BMI 18.5 to 24.9. Anywhere in the healthy range can be healthy.
Does ideal weight change with age?
The formulas do not include age, but many experts say slightly higher weights can be healthy after age 65, because a bit of extra weight can protect against frailty and bone loss.
Why is my ideal weight lower than I expected?
The formulas do not account for muscle mass or frame, so they can suggest lower weights than what looks and feels healthy on an athletic person. Check your body fat percentage for a better picture.
How do I find my body frame size?
A common method is to wrap your thumb and middle finger around your opposite wrist. If they overlap, you may have a small frame. If they just touch, medium. If they do not touch, large. It is only a rough guide.
Should I try to reach my exact ideal weight?
Not necessarily. Think of it as a target zone. Being within the healthy range, feeling strong and energetic and having healthy blood markers matter more than hitting an exact number.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian before starting a weight loss or weight gain plan, especially if you are pregnant, under 18, have a medical condition, or have a history of disordered eating.
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