Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your healthy weight range using four scientifically-backed formulas. Enter your height and gender to see estimates from Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi — plus your healthy BMI weight range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ideal body weight?
Ideal body weight is a weight range associated with the lowest health risks and longest life expectancy. It varies depending on the formula used, as each was developed from different population studies. Rather than a single number, it is best understood as a range that accounts for individual differences in body composition.
Is BMI a good measure of health?
BMI is a useful screening tool for categorizing weight status at a population level, but it has significant limitations for individuals. It does not account for muscle mass, bone density, age, gender, or fat distribution. A muscular athlete and a sedentary person of the same height and weight will have identical BMIs despite very different health profiles.
Why do different formulas give different results?
Each formula was developed from different study populations and during different time periods. The Devine formula (1974) was originally designed for drug dosage calculations, while Robinson (1983) and Miller (1983) were developed as refinements. Hamwi (1964) is the oldest and was based on insurance data. All are estimates, and the range across formulas gives a more realistic picture than any single number.
What about muscle mass?
These formulas do not account for muscle mass or body composition. A person with significant muscle mass may have an ideal weight well above the formula estimates while still being very healthy. If you strength train regularly or have an athletic build, your ideal weight is likely higher than what these formulas suggest. Body fat percentage and waist-to-height ratio can be more meaningful metrics.
Understanding Ideal Weight Formulas
This calculator uses four established formulas that estimate ideal body weight based on height and gender. Each was developed from different research populations and clinical contexts:
- Devine (1974) — Originally created for calculating drug dosages, this became the most widely used formula in clinical settings. It tends to give lower estimates, especially for shorter individuals.
- Robinson (1983) — A refinement of the Devine formula based on updated actuarial data, intended to better reflect healthy weights for the general population.
- Miller (1983) — Developed around the same time as Robinson, this formula generally produces higher estimates and may be more appropriate for individuals with larger frames.
- Hamwi (1964) — The oldest formula in this set, based on insurance industry mortality data. It gives results broadly in line with the others but diverges more at extreme heights.
Why a range matters more than a single number. No formula can capture the full picture of an individual's health. Body composition, muscle mass, bone density, and genetics all influence what a healthy weight looks like for you. By showing results from four formulas alongside a healthy BMI range, this calculator gives you a realistic window rather than a false sense of precision.
Limitations. All of these formulas were developed from data on adults and may not be accurate for adolescents, the elderly, or pregnant women. They do not account for muscle mass or body fat percentage — a trained athlete may have a healthy weight well above these estimates. Use these numbers as a starting point, not a definitive target.
This calculator provides estimates only. Individual needs vary based on body composition, frame size, and metabolic factors. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.