What is ideal body weight and how is it calculated?

Ideal body weight (IBW) is an estimated weight range associated with optimal health for your height and frame size. Common formulas include Devine (most popular), Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi. These use height as the primary factor, with adjustments for sex and frame size. For example, Devine formula: Men = 50kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5 feet; Women = 45.5kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5 feet. IBW is used in medical settings for medication dosing and nutritional assessment but is less comprehensive than body composition metrics.

Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?

Not necessarily. IBW provides a general target but doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, body composition, or individual health markers. A muscular athlete may be 'over' their IBW but perfectly healthy with low body fat. Conversely, someone at IBW with high body fat and low muscle mass may face health risks. Healthy weight is better defined by body composition, fitness level, absence of disease, and functional capacity rather than a number on a scale. Use IBW as one reference point among many.

How does frame size affect ideal weight?

Frame size refers to bone structure and skeletal size, which affects healthy weight range. People with larger frames carry more weight healthily than those with smaller frames at the same height. Frame size is estimated by wrist circumference or elbow breadth relative to height. Large-framed individuals may add 10% to baseline IBW calculations, while small-framed people may subtract 10%. However, frame size impact is relatively minor compared to muscle mass and body composition. Don't use frame size as justification for being significantly over healthy weight ranges.

Should I try to reach my ideal body weight?

Use IBW as a general reference, not a strict goal. Health improvements occur well before reaching IBW if you're currently overweight—losing 5-10% of body weight significantly improves blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Focus on body composition (more muscle, less fat), fitness level, and health markers rather than scale weight alone. If your current weight allows you to be active, healthy, and feel good, that may be ideal for you even if it differs from calculated IBW. Consult healthcare providers for personalized targets.

Health

Ideal Weight Calculator

Find your healthy weight range using multiple medical formulas.

About the Formulas

Devine (1974)

Originally intended for calculating drug dosages, it became the most widely used formula for ideal weight.

Robinson (1983)

A modification of the Devine formula, often used for slightly different population averages.

Miller (1983)

Often yields lower ideal weight estimates than the others.

Hamwi (1964)

A simple rule of thumb: 106 lbs for first 5 ft + 6 lbs per inch (men), 100 lbs + 5 lbs per inch (women).

How to Use This Calculator

Enter Your Height

Input your height in feet and inches or centimeters. Height is the primary factor in ideal body weight calculations, with different formulas weighting it slightly differently.

Select Your Sex

Choose your biological sex as ideal weight formulas differ between males and females due to different body composition norms (women naturally carry more body fat, men typically have more muscle mass).

Choose Frame Size (Optional)

If available, select your frame size (small, medium, or large) based on wrist circumference or elbow breadth measurements. This adjusts the ideal weight range by approximately ±10%. Skip if unsure—medium frame is default.

Review Your Ideal Weight Range

View your calculated ideal body weight, typically shown as a range rather than a single number. Compare different formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller) as they produce slightly different results. Use this as a general reference while focusing primarily on body composition and health markers.