Find your healthy weight range based on your height, gender, and frame size. Compare results from four different scientific formulas to set realistic weight goals.
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Ideal body weight (IBW) is a weight range that is considered healthy for a person based on their height, gender, and body frame. Unlike a single "perfect" number, ideal weight is best understood as a range because healthy bodies come in many different shapes and sizes.
The concept of ideal body weight was originally developed for medical purposes, particularly for calculating medication dosages and determining nutritional needs. Today, it serves as a helpful reference point for setting realistic weight goals.
Our calculator uses four scientifically validated formulas to give you a comprehensive view of your ideal weight range. Here's how each one works:
The most commonly used formula in clinical settings, developed by Dr. B.J. Devine in 1974. Originally created for drug dosing calculations.
Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
A modification of the Devine formula developed by Robinson et al. in 1983. Provides slightly different estimates, particularly for taller individuals.
Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
Developed by Miller et al. in 1983. Tends to estimate slightly higher ideal weights, which some consider more realistic for modern populations.
Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet
Developed by Dr. G.J. Hamwi in 1964 and commonly used in dietetics. Simple to calculate and widely used in nutritional counseling.
Men: 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet
You may notice that different calculators give different "ideal weight" results. This is normal and actually helpful - here's why ideal weight varies:
People with larger bone structures naturally carry more weight. A large-framed person may have a healthy weight 10% higher than a small-framed person of the same height.
Muscle weighs more than fat. Athletes and people with more muscle mass may weigh more than their "ideal" weight while being perfectly healthy.
Men and women have different body compositions. Men typically have more muscle mass, while women naturally carry more essential fat.
Each formula was developed using different study populations and methods. The range across formulas gives you a more complete picture.
Wrap your thumb and middle finger around your wrist at the smallest point:
Small Frame
Fingers overlap significantly
Medium Frame
Fingers just touch
Large Frame
Fingers do not touch
Understanding the difference between ideal weight and goal weight is important for setting healthy, realistic expectations:
It's perfectly fine if your goal weight differs from your calculated ideal weight. Athletes building muscle, people with naturally larger frames, or those who feel healthiest at a particular weight may have goals outside the standard range. The key is to ensure your goal weight is healthy and sustainable for you.
Ideal body weight (IBW) is a weight range considered healthy for a person based on their height, gender, and body frame. It's best understood as a range rather than a single number because healthy bodies come in different shapes and sizes.
No single formula is universally most accurate. The Devine formula is most commonly used clinically, but we recommend looking at the range across all formulas. Your actual ideal weight depends on factors like muscle mass, bone density, and overall health.
Body frame size significantly affects ideal weight. People with larger frames naturally carry more bone and muscle mass. Small frames adjust ideal weight down by 10%, and large frames adjust it up by 10%.
Not necessarily. Ideal weight is a medically suggested range, while goal weight is your personal target. Your goal weight might be within, above, or below your ideal range depending on your fitness goals and personal preferences.
Different calculators use different formulas, each developed by different researchers. Some also factor in age, frame size, or activity level. The range between formulas gives you a more complete picture of your healthy weight zone.
Standard ideal weight formulas do not directly account for age. However, some research suggests slightly higher weights in older adults may be protective. Maintaining a weight within the healthy BMI range is generally recommended regardless of age.
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