Free Ideal Weight Calculator

Welcome to the most accurate Ideal Weight Calculator. Whether you are setting a new fitness goal, planning a diet, or simply evaluating your current health, knowing your target weight is a crucial first step. Enter your gender and height into our tool to instantly calculate your recommended healthy weight range using the most trusted medical formulas.

What is an Ideal Body Weight (IBW)?

Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is a mathematical estimation of a healthy weight for a specific individual based primarily on their height and gender. Originally developed for medical professionals to determine proper medication dosages, IBW has become a standard health metric for the general public. While it doesn't account for every biological nuance, it provides a highly reliable target range for maintaining optimal cardiovascular and metabolic health.

How to Use the Ideal Weight Calculator

Getting your results is quick and entirely free:

• Select your measurement system: Choose between Metric (centimeters/kilograms) or Imperial (inches/pounds).
• Input your details: Select your gender and enter your exact height.
• Calculate: The calculator instantly provides your ideal weight across multiple clinically validated formulas, alongside a healthy weight range.

Once you have your target weight, you can use our Calorie Calculator to figure out exactly how much you need to eat to reach that goal.

Below is a reference guide showing the healthy weight ranges (based on the standard BMI range of 18.5 – 24.9) and the Devine formula ideal weights for adult men and women of different heights:

Height (Ft / Cm)	Healthy BMI Range	Male Ideal Weight (Devine)	Female Ideal Weight (Devine)
5'0" / 152 cm	94.7 – 127.4 lbs (43.0 – 57.8 kg)	110.2 lbs (50.0 kg)	100.3 lbs (45.5 kg)
5'3" / 160 cm	104.5 – 140.7 lbs (47.4 – 63.8 kg)	125.4 lbs (56.9 kg)	115.5 lbs (52.4 kg)
5'6" / 168 cm	115.1 – 154.9 lbs (52.2 – 70.3 kg)	140.7 lbs (63.8 kg)	130.7 lbs (59.3 kg)
5'9" / 175 cm	124.9 – 168.1 lbs (56.7 – 76.2 kg)	155.9 lbs (70.7 kg)	146.0 lbs (66.2 kg)
6'0" / 183 cm	136.6 – 183.9 lbs (62.0 – 83.4 kg)	171.1 lbs (77.6 kg)	161.2 lbs (73.1 kg)
6'3" / 191 cm	148.8 – 200.3 lbs (67.5 – 90.9 kg)	186.3 lbs (84.5 kg)	176.4 lbs (80.0 kg)

Note: The Devine formula calculates ideal weight starting at a base height of 5 feet (60 inches). For heights below 5 feet, other methods or standard BMI ranges are generally preferred.

The Science Behind Ideal Weight Formulas

Because no single mathematical equation is perfect for every body type, our calculator utilizes multiple internationally recognized algorithms to give you a well-rounded estimate.

Popular IBW Equations Explained

Here are the primary formulas medical professionals have used over the past few decades to determine healthy weight targets:

The Devine Formula (1974)

Originally created to calculate drug dosages, the Devine formula is still the most widely used equation in hospitals today. It serves as an excellent baseline for the general population.

• Male: $$IBW = 50.0\text{ kg} + 2.3\text{ kg} \times (Height\ [in] - 60)$$
• Female: $$IBW = 45.5\text{ kg} + 2.3\text{ kg} \times (Height\ [in] - 60)$$

The Robinson Formula (1983)

Dr. J.D. Robinson modified the Devine formula to better reflect modern body types and nutritional standards.

• Male: $$IBW = 52.0\text{ kg} + 1.9\text{ kg} \times (Height\ [in] - 60)$$
• Female: $$IBW = 49.0\text{ kg} + 1.7\text{ kg} \times (Height\ [in] - 60)$$

When to Use the Robinson Equation

The Robinson modification tends to yield slightly higher, more realistic targets for taller individuals.

Ideal for Adult Men

Many fitness professionals prefer the Robinson formula for adult men who carry a moderate amount of muscle mass.

The Miller Formula (1983)

The Miller formula is another modification of the Devine equation. It generally suggests a slightly lower ideal weight compared to Robinson and is often used as the lower boundary of a healthy weight range.

• Male: $$IBW = 56.2\text{ kg} + 1.41\text{ kg} \times (Height\ [in] - 60)$$
• Female: $$IBW = 53.1\text{ kg} + 1.36\text{ kg} \times (Height\ [in] - 60)$$

The Hamwi Formula (1964)

The Hamwi method is frequently used by dietitians to quickly estimate a healthy body weight range based on a baseline of 5 feet of height, adding specific poundage for every inch above that mark.

• Male: $$IBW = 48.0\text{ kg} + 2.7\text{ kg} \times (Height\ [in] - 60)$$
• Female: $$IBW = 45.5\text{ kg} + 2.2\text{ kg} \times (Height\ [in] - 60)$$

Ideal Weight vs. Body Composition

It is important to remember that IBW formulas do not factor in body composition (the ratio of fat to muscle). A bodybuilder might technically weigh more than their "ideal weight" but still be incredibly healthy.

If you want to dive deeper into your physical makeup, we highly recommend checking your Lean Body Mass Calculator to see how much of your weight is lean tissue. Additionally, understanding your silhouette with our Body Type Calculator or tracking your general BMI (Body Mass Index) will give you a much more comprehensive view of your overall health.

Important Limitations of Ideal Weight Formulas

While these formulas provide helpful guidelines, they are not absolute measures of fitness or overall health because of several key limitations:

1. Muscle Mass and Body Composition: Muscle is denser than fat. Athletic individuals with high muscle mass may be classified as "overweight" by these formulas when they actually have a healthy body fat percentage.
2. Frame Size: These equations do not explicitly adjust for small, medium, or large bone structure, which can cause variance in healthy weights by up to 10%.
3. Age Factors: As body composition and bone density change with age, a slightly higher weight is often healthier for older adults, which these formulas do not account for.
4. Height Extremes: These formulas are mathematically optimized for individuals of average heights and can become less accurate for people who are exceptionally short or tall.