Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your ideal weight range based on various formulas.
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is an estimated weight range considered healthy for your height and gender. These estimates come from population studies that identified weight ranges associated with lowest mortality rates and best health outcomes.
It's important to understand that IBW formulas provide general guidelines, not absolute targets. They were developed from population averages and don't account for individual differences in muscle mass, bone density, genetics, or athletic training. Two people of the same height can both be perfectly healthy at different weights.
IBW is most useful as a starting reference point for:
- Setting realistic weight loss or gain goals
- Medical calculations (medication dosing, anesthesia)
- General health assessment in combination with other metrics
- Understanding what's physiologically typical for your height
However, for a complete health picture, also consider body fat percentage, waist circumference, metabolic health markers (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol), fitness level, and how you feel. Health is multifaceted and can't be captured by a single number.
Various formulas have been developed over the decades to estimate ideal body weight. Each uses height and gender as primary inputs, with different underlying assumptions:
Robinson Formula (1983)
A modern formula that's widely used. For men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet. For women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet. This provides moderate estimates that work well for most people.
Miller Formula (1983)
Also from 1983, very similar to Robinson. For men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet. For women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet. Tends to give slightly higher estimates than Robinson.
Devine Formula (1974)
The most commonly used formula in clinical and medical settings. For men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. For women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. Often used for medication dosing calculations.
Hamwi Formula (1964)
An older but still respected formula. For men: 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet. For women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet. Tends to give the highest estimates, especially for taller individuals.
BMI-Based Range
Rather than a single number, this provides a range based on BMI 18.5-25 (WHO healthy range). This is the broadest guideline and accounts for natural variation in body composition. Most health organizations recommend staying within this range.
Our Recommendation: Use the average of all formulas as your target ideal weight, but consider the full BMI-based range as your healthy zone. This approach balances different methodologies while acknowledging individual variation.
Research has shown that different ethnic populations have varying body compositions and health risk profiles at the same BMI. This led the WHO to develop population-specific guidelines:
Asian Populations
Studies found that Asian populations tend to have higher body fat percentages and greater health risks at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations. The WHO Western Pacific Region recommends:
- Healthy BMI: 18.5-23 (vs 18.5-25 for Western)
- Overweight: 23-27.5 (vs 25-30 for Western)
- Obese: ≥27.5 (vs ≥30 for Western)
This applies to East Asians (Chinese, Japanese, Korean), Southeast Asians, and South Asians (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi). Our Asian adjustment reduces ideal weights by approximately 7% to reflect these differences.
Why These Differences?
- Body Composition: Asian populations typically have higher body fat percentages at the same BMI
- Fat Distribution: Greater tendency for visceral (abdominal) fat, which carries higher health risks
- Metabolic Factors: Different insulin sensitivity and diabetes risk profiles
- Genetic Factors: Variations in genes affecting metabolism and fat storage
Other Populations
Some studies suggest Pacific Islanders and some Black populations may be healthy at slightly higher BMIs due to greater bone density and muscle mass. However, currently there isn't consensus on specific adjusted ranges, so standard WHO guidelines still apply.
Important: These are population-level generalizations. Individual variation within any ethnic group is enormous. Use these as guidelines, but focus on your individual health markers, body composition, and how you feel.
While ideal weight provides a useful reference point, health is determined by much more than a number on the scale. Here's what matters more:
Body Composition
Body fat percentage is far more important than total weight. A muscular athlete might weigh more than "ideal" while having excellent health. Conversely, someone at "ideal weight" with high body fat and low muscle mass could be metabolically unhealthy (termed "normal weight obesity").
Metabolic Health Markers
These indicators matter more than scale weight:
- Blood Pressure: Should be below 120/80 mmHg
- Blood Sugar: Fasting glucose 70-100 mg/dL, HbA1c below 5.7%
- Lipid Panel: Healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Waist Circumference: \u003c40\" for men, \u003c35\" for women (lower for Asians)
Physical Fitness
Cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, and mobility are strong predictors of longevity and quality of life. A fit person above "ideal weight" is healthier than an unfit person at "ideal weight."
Mental Health and Quality of Life
Obsessing over reaching an "ideal" number can be counterproductive. Focus on sustainable habits: regular movement, nutritious eating, good sleep, stress management. These behaviors improve health regardless of whether you reach a specific weight.
The Bottom Line
Use ideal weight as a rough guide, but don't let it define your health or worth. Focus on building muscle, reducing excess body fat, improving fitness, and maintaining healthy metabolic markers. These factors determine actual health outcomes far more than whether you match a formula derived from population averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideal body weight (IBW) is an estimated healthy weight range based on your height, gender, and sometimes frame size. It's derived from population studies and mortality data. However, 'ideal' varies individually based on muscle mass, bone density, and body composition. Use IBW as a general guideline, not an absolute target.
No single formula is universally 'most accurate' because ideal weight varies by individual factors like muscle mass, bone density, and genetics. The Devine formula is most commonly used clinically. We recommend using the average of all formulas as it provides a balanced estimate. The BMI-based range (18.5-25) gives you the healthiest span.
Different formulas were developed at different times using various population samples. Robinson and Miller (1983) are more recent. Devine (1974) is most common in medical settings. Hamwi (1964) is older but still used. Each has slightly different assumptions about frame size and body composition.
Asian populations typically have different body composition with lower ideal weight ranges due to higher body fat percentage at same BMI. WHO recommends lower BMI thresholds for Asians (overweight at 23 vs 25, obese at 27.5 vs 30). Our Asian adjustment reduces weights by about 7% to reflect these differences.
Because 'ideal' weight varies based on factors these formulas can't account for: muscle mass (athletes weigh more), bone density, genetics, and body composition goals. A bodybuilder and sedentary person of same height have different healthy weights. Use the range as guidance, not gospel.
Not necessarily. Ideal weight formulas don't account for muscle mass, athletic training, genetics, or body composition. If you're muscular, you may exceed these numbers while being very healthy. If you have concerns, focus on body fat percentage, metabolic health markers (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol), and fitness level rather than just scale weight.
Larger frame sizes (broader shoulders, bigger bone structure) can support 10% more weight than the calculated ideal. Smaller frames may be healthier 10% below. These formulas assume medium frame. To estimate frame size, measure wrist circumference: for men, <6.5" is small, 6.5-7.5" medium, >7.5" large. For women, <5.5" is small, 5.5-6.5" medium, >6.5" large.
It depends on your goals and body composition. If building muscle, aim for the higher end. If prioritizing leanness, aim lower. Most people feel best in the middle range. Remember: health is determined by body composition, fitness, and metabolic markers—not just a number on the scale.
Medical Disclaimer
This ideal weight calculator provides estimates based on standard formulas. Individual healthy weights vary based on muscle mass, bone density, genetics, and body composition. These results should not replace professional medical advice. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.