Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your ideal body weight range using 5 scientifically validated formulas.
How to Use This Ideal Weight Calculator
Enter your height (in feet and inches or centimeters), select your biological sex, and optionally enter your current weight to see how you compare. Click "Calculate Ideal Weight" to instantly see results from 5 different formulas, a visual gauge showing where you fall, and a breakdown table.
Why This Matters
Understanding your ideal weight range helps you set realistic, evidence-based fitness goals rather than chasing arbitrary numbers. For example, a 5'10" male has an ideal weight range of roughly 148–183 lbs depending on the formula used — that's a 35-pound window, which shows why a single "perfect" number is a myth.
Athletes and bodybuilders often weigh more than "ideal" formulas suggest because muscle is denser than fat — their weight is healthy despite exceeding textbook targets. Conversely, someone who appears slim might still fall below their ideal if they carry little muscle mass.
Doctors, dietitians, and personal trainers use ideal weight as a starting reference when setting calorie goals, dosing medications, or designing training programs. If you're trying to lose weight, knowing the target range helps you avoid setting goals that are either too aggressive (risking muscle loss) or not ambitious enough.
How It's Calculated
This calculator uses five widely cited formulas, all expressed for height in inches (H) above 5 feet:
- Devine (1974): Male = 50 kg + 2.3 kg × (H − 60in) | Female = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg × (H − 60in)
- Robinson (1983): Male = 52 kg + 1.9 kg × (H − 60in) | Female = 49 kg + 1.7 kg × (H − 60in)
- Miller (1983): Male = 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg × (H − 60in) | Female = 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg × (H − 60in)
- Hamwi (1964): Male = 48 kg + 2.7 kg × (H − 60in) | Female = 45.4 kg + 2.27 kg × (H − 60in)
- BMI-based (18.5–24.9): Ideal = BMI × height² (m²) — gives a healthy BMI range
The average of the four formula results is shown as your primary ideal weight, with the BMI method providing the healthy range.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Don't fixate on one number. The range across formulas is your realistic target zone, not a single point.
- Account for frame size. Larger-boned individuals naturally weigh more — these formulas assume medium frame size.
- Athletes should use body fat % too. Muscle weighs more than fat; ideal weight calculators don't distinguish between the two.
- Height matters a lot. A 1-inch error in height measurement can shift results by 2–3 kg across all formulas.
- Use this as a starting point. Pair this tool with a BMI check, body fat measurement, and professional consultation for a complete picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
No single formula is universally "best" — each was derived from different populations and contexts. The Devine formula is most commonly used in clinical settings for drug dosing, while BMI-based ranges are used in public health. Using the average of multiple formulas gives the most balanced estimate for general wellness goals.
Does ideal weight differ by age?
The formulas above don't adjust for age, but research suggests that slightly higher weights are associated with better outcomes in older adults (65+). Children and teenagers should use age-specific growth charts from a pediatrician rather than adult ideal weight calculators.
I'm very muscular — will this calculator work for me?
These formulas assume average muscle-to-fat ratios and were designed for the general population. If you carry significant muscle mass, your ideal weight may legitimately exceed the formula results. Body composition measurements (like DEXA scans or skinfold calipers) are more meaningful for athletes.
What if my current weight is already in the ideal range?
That's great — it means your focus should shift to maintaining your weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise rather than losing or gaining. Even within the "ideal" range, body composition (muscle vs. fat ratio) matters for long-term health.