Free health tool
Ideal Weight Calculator
Estimate your ideal weight range based on your height and gender using three widely referenced formulas. Results are for general guidance only.
Calculate your ideal weight
How to use this calculator
- Select your preferred unit system (Metric or US).
- Choose your gender — formulas differ for male and female.
- Enter your height accurately. Use a stadiometer or measure against a wall for best results.
- Click Calculate Ideal Weight.
- Review the three formula results and the average. Consider the average as a general mid-range estimate.
What is ideal weight?
Ideal weight is an estimate of the body weight range associated with good health for a given height and gender. Unlike BMI, which produces a single number, ideal weight formulas return a specific weight target. The most commonly used formulas were developed in the 1970s by Devine, Robinson, and Miller, originally for clinical drug dosing rather than general health assessment.
These formulas produce different results because they were derived from different populations and for different purposes. No single formula is universally correct. Body composition, muscle mass, bone density, age, and ethnicity all affect what is a realistic and healthy weight for an individual.
Formulas used
Devine (1974)
Male: 50 kg + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60)
Female: 45.5 kg + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60)
Robinson (1983)
Male: 52 kg + 1.9 × (height in inches − 60)
Female: 49 kg + 1.7 × (height in inches − 60)
Miller (1983)
Male: 56.2 kg + 1.41 × (height in inches − 60)
Female: 53.1 kg + 1.36 × (height in inches − 60)
Example calculation
A male who is 5 ft 10 in (70 inches) tall:
Devine: 50 + 2.3 × (70 − 60) = 50 + 23 = 73 kg
Robinson: 52 + 1.9 × 10 = 71 kg
Miller: 56.2 + 1.41 × 10 = 70 kg
Average: (73 + 71 + 70) / 3 ≈ 71 kg
Limitations
- These formulas were created for clinical drug dosing, not general weight assessment.
- They do not account for body composition — two people at the same height and weight can have very different muscle-to-fat ratios.
- They are based on predominantly white Western populations and may not be appropriate for all ethnicities.
- They do not adjust for age — body composition naturally changes over a lifetime.
- Pregnant people, older adults, and individuals with certain medical conditions should not use these formulas as health targets.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one universally correct ideal weight?+−
No. Ideal weight formulas produce estimates, not precise targets. They were originally designed for clinical drug dosing and do not account for muscle mass, bone density, ethnicity, age-related body changes, or individual health history. Use the result as a rough reference, not a goal.
Why do the three formulas give different results?+−
Devine, Robinson, and Miller derived their formulas from different patient populations and for different clinical purposes. Each uses slightly different base weights and per-inch increments, which leads to variation — especially at taller heights.
Can athletes use this calculator?+−
With caution. Athletes and highly muscular individuals often weigh more than these formulas suggest because muscle is denser than fat. A result that appears above the ideal range may still represent a healthy, fit body.
Does ideal weight change with age?+−
These formulas do not adjust for age. In practice, body composition shifts with age — muscle mass tends to decrease and fat distribution changes — so the same formula result may have different implications at 25 versus 65.
How is ideal weight different from BMI healthy weight?+−
BMI healthy weight is a range (18.5–24.9 kg/m²) derived from your height. Ideal weight formulas give a single target number per formula. Both are estimates based on population averages and neither measures body composition directly.
References
Health disclaimer
This calculator is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal health concerns.