Ideal body weight formulas
In each formula, x is your height in inches above 5 feet (60 in). Results are in kilograms.
| Formula | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 50 + 2.3x | 45.5 + 2.3x |
| Robinson (1983) | 52 + 1.9x | 49 + 1.7x |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 + 1.41x | 53.1 + 1.36x |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 + 2.7x | 45.5 + 2.2x |
How to use these results
Treat the formulas as a reference point, not a target you must hit. Clinicians use ideal body weight mainly to calculate medication doses and nutrition needs. For personal goals, being within the healthy BMI range, having a waist measurement below half your height, and being able to stay active matter more than matching one number.
If you want to change your weight, the calorie calculator shows how much to eat.
How to use the calculator
- Choose your sex and enter your height in feet and inches or centimeters.
- Read the ideal weight from four classic formulas, along with the healthy BMI weight range for your height.
Ideal weight by height (Devine formula)
| Height | Men (Devine) | Women (Devine) |
|---|---|---|
| 5′0″ | 50.0 kg (110 lb) | 45.5 kg (100 lb) |
| 5′3″ | 56.9 kg (125 lb) | 52.4 kg (116 lb) |
| 5′6″ | 63.8 kg (141 lb) | 59.3 kg (131 lb) |
| 5′9″ | 70.7 kg (156 lb) | 66.2 kg (146 lb) |
| 6′0″ | 77.6 kg (171 lb) | 73.1 kg (161 lb) |
| 6′3″ | 84.5 kg (186 lb) | 80.0 kg (176 lb) |
Where these formulas came from
None of the formulas was designed as a personal weight goal. Dr. Ben Devine published his equation in 1974 to calculate doses of medicines such as gentamicin, which depend on lean body size. Robinson (1983) and Miller (1983) later refined it using insurance company data, and Hamwi’s 1964 rule of thumb came from diabetes care. They are still widely used in hospitals for drug dosing and ventilator settings, which is why they are called “ideal body weight”, but they don’t account for frame size, muscle mass or age.
A better target: a range
Health guidelines focus on ranges rather than a single number. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 gives a healthy weight range for your height — for a 5′9″ adult that is about 125–168 lb (57–76 kg). Within that range, factors like waist size, fitness, blood pressure and blood sugar matter more than the exact number on the scale.
Adjusting for frame size
Some clinicians adjust ideal weight by about 10% up for a large frame and 10% down for a small frame. A quick estimate of frame size: wrap your thumb and middle finger around your opposite wrist. If they overlap, you probably have a small frame; if they just touch, medium; if they don’t meet, large. Very muscular people may be healthy above all of these figures.
Setting a personal goal
- Even a 5–10% weight loss can improve blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol in people who are overweight.
- Choose a goal you can maintain, not the lowest number possible.
- Track waist size and how clothes fit along with weight.
- Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian, especially if you have a health condition, are pregnant or are over 65.