Ideal Weight Calculator
Find Your Healthy Weight Range
Understanding Ideal Body Weight (IBW) Formulas
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) was originally established by clinical researchers and pharmacologists to compute safe medical dosages for drugs (such as anesthetics and antibiotics) that do not distribute efficiently into fat tissue. Today, IBW formulas are widely utilized by dietitians and physicians to establish healthy baseline weight targets.
Devine Formula (1974)
Men: 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg × (inches over 5ft)
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg × (inches over 5ft)
The most widely referenced standard in hospital and clinical pharmacotherapy worldwide.
Robinson Formula (1983)
Men: 52.0 kg + 1.9 kg × (inches over 5ft)
Women: 49.0 kg + 1.7 kg × (inches over 5ft)
A modernized empirical refinement based on Metropolitan Life Insurance actuarial data.
Miller Formula (1983)
Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg × (inches over 5ft)
Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg × (inches over 5ft)
Calculates higher baseline weights for shorter individuals and gentler increases per inch.
Hamwi Formula (1964)
Men: 106 lbs + 6 lbs × (inches over 5ft)
Women: 100 lbs + 5 lbs × (inches over 5ft)
The classic "rule of thumb" method historically favored by clinical nutritionists and dietitians.
Ideal Weight Range by Height Reference Chart
The table below presents the consensus ideal body weight targets for adult men and women across common heights (medium frame):
| Height | Men's Ideal Weight (Devine – Robinson) | Women's Ideal Weight (Devine – Robinson) | Healthy BMI Weight Span |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4' 10" (147 cm) | 90 – 95 lbs (41 – 43 kg) | 85 – 91 lbs (39 – 41 kg) | 89 – 119 lbs (40 – 54 kg) |
| 5' 0" (152 cm) | 110 – 115 lbs (50 – 52 kg) | 100 – 108 lbs (45 – 49 kg) | 95 – 128 lbs (43 – 58 kg) |
| 5' 2" (157 cm) | 120 – 123 lbs (54 – 56 kg) | 110 – 115 lbs (50 – 52 kg) | 101 – 136 lbs (46 – 62 kg) |
| 5' 4" (163 cm) | 130 – 132 lbs (59 – 60 kg) | 120 – 123 lbs (54 – 56 kg) | 108 – 145 lbs (49 – 66 kg) |
| 5' 6" (168 cm) | 141 – 142 lbs (64 – 64.5 kg) | 130 – 131 lbs (59 – 59.5 kg) | 115 – 154 lbs (52 – 70 kg) |
| 5' 8" (173 cm) | 151 – 152 lbs (68.5 – 69 kg) | 141 – 142 lbs (64 – 64.5 kg) | 122 – 164 lbs (55 – 74 kg) |
| 5' 10" (178 cm) | 161 – 162 lbs (73 – 73.5 kg) | 151 – 152 lbs (68.5 – 69 kg) | 129 – 174 lbs (59 – 79 kg) |
| 6' 0" (183 cm) | 171 – 172 lbs (77.5 – 78 kg) | 161 – 162 lbs (73 – 73.5 kg) | 136 – 184 lbs (62 – 83 kg) |
| 6' 2" (188 cm) | 181 – 182 lbs (82 – 82.5 kg) | 171 – 172 lbs (77.5 – 78 kg) | 144 – 194 lbs (65 – 88 kg) |
| 6' 4" (193 cm) | 192 – 193 lbs (87 – 87.5 kg) | 182 – 183 lbs (82.5 – 83 kg) | 152 – 205 lbs (69 – 93 kg) |
Adjusting for Skeletal Frame Size
Not everyone of the same height has the same bone structure. Health practitioners adjust the baseline ideal body weight according to wrist circumference:
Small Frame
Subtract 10% from the calculated baseline ideal weight. Individuals with narrow bone structure naturally thrive at lower weights.
Medium Frame
Apply the standard calculated ideal body weight directly without adjustment.
Large Frame
Add 10% to the calculated baseline ideal weight to accommodate broader shoulders, thicker wrist girth, and denser skeletal mass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Devine formula for ideal body weight?
Introduced in 1974 by Dr. Ben J. Devine for medical drug dosing, the formula is: For men: 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. For women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. It remains the gold standard in clinical pharmacology.
Why is ideal body weight different for men and women?
Men have greater bone mineral density, wider shoulder girdles, and approximately 10–15% higher skeletal muscle mass than women of the same height. Consequently, medical formulas give men a baseline that is 4.5 to 6 kg heavier than women.
Does body frame size affect ideal weight?
Yes. Clinical guidelines recommend adjusting the baseline ideal weight by ±10% to account for small, medium, or large wrist and elbow skeletal frame sizes.
Is ideal body weight (IBW) the same as the healthy BMI range?
No. Ideal body weight yields a specific target number based on statistical health longevity, whereas the healthy BMI range (18.5 to 24.9) gives a broad 30 to 45 lb buffer that accounts for individual variations in muscle mass and lifestyle.
Which formula is the most accurate for ideal weight?
The Devine formula is the most widely used in hospital settings for medication dosing. The Robinson formula (1983) and Miller formula (1983) were created as empirical modern revisions, making a combined range of all four formulas the most realistic target.