Ideal Weight Calculator

Find your ideal body weight using four medical formulas and a BMI-based healthy range.

FormulaIdeal Weight
Healthy BMI Range (18.5 – 24.9)
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What This Means for You

How to Use the Ideal Weight Calculator

  1. Enter your height in centimeters (e.g. 170 cm).
  2. Select your gender. The formulas differ for males and females due to body composition differences.
  3. Click Calculate to see your ideal weight from four different medical formulas plus a BMI-based healthy range.

About the Formulas

Each formula uses your height and gender to estimate an ideal body weight:

  • Hamwi (1964) — Originally developed for calculating drug dosages. Uses a base weight plus a factor per inch over 5 feet.
  • Devine (1974) — Also developed for drug dosages. Similar structure to Hamwi with slightly different multipliers.
  • Robinson (1983) — A revision of Devine's formula based on more recent data.
  • Miller (1983) — Another revision with different multipliers, often considered more accurate for shorter individuals.

The BMI healthy range is calculated as 18.5 × height² to 24.9 × height². This gives the weight range where your BMI falls in the "normal" category. Use the range across all formulas as a general guide, not a strict target.

BMI Categories Reference

BMI RangeCategoryHealth Risk
Below 18.5UnderweightIncreased risk of malnutrition
18.5 – 24.9Normal (Healthy)Low risk
25.0 – 29.9OverweightIncreased risk of heart disease
30.0 – 34.9Obese (Class I)High risk
35.0 – 39.9Obese (Class II)Very high risk
40.0 and aboveObese (Class III)Extremely high risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most accurate ideal weight formula?

No single formula is perfect for everyone. The BMI-based range (18.5-24.9) is the most widely used. The range across all four formulas gives a more realistic healthy weight zone.

Why do different formulas give different results?

Each formula was developed from different populations and studies. Hamwi (1964), Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), and Miller (1983) all used slightly different methodologies. Use the range across all formulas.

Does ideal weight account for muscle mass?

No, these formulas do not distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes and bodybuilders may weigh more than their "ideal" weight due to higher muscle mass. Focus on body composition, not just the number.

What is a healthy weight for my height?

The BMI-based healthy range is the best guide. For example, at 170 cm: healthy range is 53.5-72.2 kg (BMI 18.5-24.9). Use this calculator to find your specific range.

Should I aim for the exact ideal weight?

No. These are estimates. Focus on how you feel, your energy levels, and overall health markers rather than hitting a specific number. A range is more useful than a single target.

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