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 |
Example: A woman who is 5 ft 5 in (x = 5). Devine: 45.5 + 2.3 × 5 = 57.0 kg (125.7 lb). Robinson: 57.5 kg; Miller: 59.9 kg; Hamwi: 56.5 kg. Her healthy BMI range is 50.4–67.9 kg (111–150 lb).
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is my ideal weight?
There is no single ideal weight. The formulas here estimate a reference weight for your height and sex, and the healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) gives a wider band that is associated with lower health risk. Most people are healthy anywhere within that range.
Why do the formulas give different answers?
Each formula was derived from different data for a different purpose. The Devine formula, published in 1974, was designed to estimate drug doses; Robinson (1983) and Miller (1983) refined it using population data; Hamwi (1964) is a rule of thumb used by dietitians.
Do these formulas work for very short or very tall people?
They were developed for adults roughly 5 to 6 ft 6 in (152–198 cm) tall and become less reliable outside that range. Below 5 feet, the formulas can give unrealistically low values.
Should muscular people use these?
The formulas do not account for muscle. Athletes with high lean mass may be healthy well above these weights. Body fat percentage is a better guide — try the body fat calculator.