About this calculator
Ideal weight formulas came from insurance tables built to estimate mortality risk, not to define health. They produce a single number, which is why they disagree with one another. The BMI range for your height is generally more useful than any one formula.
How it works
Four formulas are shown side by side: Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi. The Devine formula is the most widely used, derived for drug dosing. All four begin from a base weight at 5 feet and add a rate per inch above or below.
Frequently asked questions
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
None is universally accurate. They were derived from limited populations and estimate population averages. A range based on your BMI, combined with body fat percentage, is a better guide than any single formula.
Why do ideal weight formulas disagree?
Each was derived from a different historical population and methodology, and none accounts for body composition. The spread between them is a good illustration of how imprecise the concept is.
Does ideal weight account for muscle mass?
No. Because all these formulas use height and sex alone, an athlete with significant muscle will be told they are overweight. This is their main limitation for anyone who trains.
What is the most reliable measure of health?
A combination of body fat percentage, waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood markers. Weight alone is a poor proxy, since it cannot distinguish muscle from fat.
Should I aim for the middle of the range?
Roughly, yes, as a general target for an average adult, but adjust toward the lower end if you carry more muscle and the upper end if you carry more fat. Any change should be gradual and paired with strength training.
Does age affect ideal weight?
Yes. Muscle mass declines with age, and so does the range that health guidance generally recommends. Targets for older adults are often modestly lower than for younger adults at the same height.