Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your ideal body weight using four clinically validated formulas — Hamwi, Devine, Robinson, and Miller. Enter your height and gender to get a recommended weight range and see how the formulas compare.
Your Details
Average Ideal Weight
66 kg
Range: 65.2 – 66.8 kg across 4 formulas
Equivalent in lbs
144 – 147 lbs
Hamwi
66.8 kg
Devine
65.9 kg
Robinson
65.2 kg
Miller
66.0 kg
How It Works
Ideal body weight (IBW) formulas were originally developed in clinical settings to dose medications accurately based on body size, not for aesthetic weight goals. The four most cited formulas are: Hamwi (1964), Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), and Miller (1983). These formulas were built for populations of average build and have known limitations — they are based on older data, don't account for muscle mass, ethnicity, or age, and are not meant as cosmetic targets. A healthy range is better understood through BMI (18.5–24.9) combined with waist circumference. Use these formulas as a general reference, not an absolute goal.
Formula
Hamwi: Men = 48 kg + 2.7 kg/inch over 5ft; Women = 45.4 kg + 2.27 kg/inch over 5ft. Similar logic applies for Devine, Robinson, and Miller with different base weights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
No single formula is universally 'best' — each was developed in specific clinical contexts. The Devine formula (1974) is the most widely used in pharmacology for drug dosing. The Hamwi formula is common in nutrition. In practice, all four formulas give results within 2–5 kg of each other. Looking at the range across formulas gives a better picture than relying on one alone.
What is the difference between ideal weight and healthy weight?
Ideal weight formulas give a single target number derived from height and gender — they're based on older population data and were designed for drug dosing, not wellness. Healthy weight is better defined as a weight range associated with low metabolic risk — typically corresponding to BMI 18.5–24.9. Both approaches are simplifications; body fat percentage and waist circumference are more predictive of metabolic health.
Do these formulas apply to Indians?
These formulas were developed on Western populations and may overestimate ideal weight for Indian and Asian adults. Research shows Indians develop metabolic disease at lower BMIs and body fat percentages than Caucasians. For Indian adults, a lower BMI target (18–22.9) is often recommended. The ideal weight formulas here use standard WHO definitions — apply them as rough benchmarks, not precise targets.
Is it healthy to try to reach my 'ideal' weight?
Not necessarily — these are population averages, not personalized goals. Factors like genetics, age, bone density, and muscle mass affect what a healthy weight looks like for you. Someone with high muscle mass will reasonably weigh more than the formula suggests. Focus on metabolic markers (blood pressure, blood sugar, lipids) and physical function rather than a specific number on the scale.
How is ideal weight different from BMI?
BMI gives a range of weights considered healthy for a given height (18.5–24.9 × height²). Ideal weight formulas give a single number from height and sex. BMI is more widely validated and recognized in medical literature. Ideal weight formulas are useful for quick drug dosing estimates in clinical settings. For general health assessment, the BMI healthy range is more commonly applied.
What if I weigh much more than the ideal weight formulas suggest?
A significant difference between current weight and ideal weight formulas doesn't automatically mean poor health. If you have high muscle mass (e.g., athletes, bodybuilders), you may weigh 10–20% more than these formulas suggest while being very healthy. Conversely, someone at 'ideal' weight with very low muscle mass may have worse metabolic markers. Always consult a healthcare provider for a complete picture.