Ideal Weight Calculator

Healthy weight range for your height, plus the Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi formulas.

How it is calculated

This calculator shows two things. The first is the weight range that gives a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, which health organizations describe as the healthy range for adults. The second is four classic formulas, which use your height in inches over 5 feet (60 inches):

• Devine: men 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch, women 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch
• Robinson: men 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch, women 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch
• Miller: men 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch, women 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch
• Hamwi: men 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch, women 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch

Worked example

For a height of 175 cm (68.9 inches), the healthy BMI range is 56.7 to 76.3 kg. The formulas give, for a man: Devine 70.5 kg, Robinson 68.9 kg, Miller 68.7 kg and Hamwi 72.0 kg. For a woman: Devine 66.0 kg, Robinson 64.1 kg, Miller 65.2 kg and Hamwi 65.1 kg.

Frequently asked questions

Is ideal weight a target I should aim for?

No. It is a rough reference, not a goal. Healthy weights vary widely with build, muscle, age and genetics, and the range shown is wide for that reason.

Why do the formulas give different answers?

They were developed at different times for different purposes, mainly to estimate medication doses. They only use height and sex, so they ignore muscle, bone structure and age.

Does this work for people shorter than 5 feet?

The classic formulas assume a height of at least 60 inches, so below that they return the base value. The BMI range is still calculated for your height.

When should I talk to a professional?

If you have questions about your weight or health, ask a doctor or registered dietitian. If thoughts about weight or eating are causing you distress, a doctor or counselor can help.

This calculator is for general information only and is not medical advice.