Enter your details and click Calculate
Ideal Weight Formulas Explained
Four classic formulas estimate ideal body weight from height and sex alone, each adding a fixed amount per inch over 5 feet. This calculator averages all four, then adjusts for your body frame size.
Devine Formula (1974)
Most widely used in clinical settings, including medication dosing.
Robinson Formula (1983)
A refinement of Devine using updated population data.
Miller Formula (1983)
Hamwi Formula (1964)
One of the earliest formulas, still used in dietetics.
Example: Male, 175cm (~5'9", 8.9 in over 5ft) → Devine: 50 + 2.3×8.9 ≈ 70.5kg; Robinson: 52 + 1.9×8.9 ≈ 68.9kg.
Determining Your Body Frame Size (Wrist Method)
A common way to estimate frame size compares wrist circumference to height. As a general guide for adults:
| Height | Small Frame (Wrist) | Medium Frame (Wrist) | Large Frame (Wrist) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 165cm (5'5") | <14 cm | 14-14.6 cm | >14.6 cm |
| 165-178cm (5'5"-5'10") | <15.2 cm | 15.2-16.5 cm | >16.5 cm |
| Over 178cm (5'10") | <16 cm | 16-17.3 cm | >17.3 cm |
This is a general guideline, not a precise medical measurement — use it alongside the formula comparison rather than as a standalone diagnosis.
Healthy Weight Calculator by Height (BMI 18.5-24.9 Range)
| Height | Healthy Weight Range (BMI 18.5-24.9) |
|---|---|
| 155 cm (5'1") | 44.4 - 59.8 kg (98-132 lb) |
| 160 cm (5'3") | 47.4 - 63.7 kg (104-141 lb) |
| 165 cm (5'5") | 50.4 - 67.8 kg (111-149 lb) |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 53.5 - 72.0 kg (118-159 lb) |
| 175 cm (5'9") | 56.7 - 76.3 kg (125-168 lb) |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 59.9 - 80.7 kg (132-178 lb) |
| 185 cm (6'1") | 63.3 - 85.2 kg (140-188 lb) |
What These Formulas Don't Account For
- Muscle mass — athletes and lifters often exceed "ideal weight" while staying lean
- Body fat distribution — two people at the same weight can have very different compositions
- Age-related changes — muscle mass naturally declines with age, shifting healthy composition
- Ethnicity & genetics — not reflected in these height-only formulas
For a fuller picture, pair this calculator with the Body Fat Calculator and BMI Calculator.
Related Calculators
Scientific References
- Devine BJ. "Gentamicin therapy." Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy, 1974.
- Robinson JD, et al. "Determination of ideal body weight for drug dosage calculations." American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 1983.
- Miller DR, et al. "Comparison of estimated and measured creatinine clearance in obese patients." Clinical Pharmacy, 1983.
- Hamwi GJ. "Therapy: changing dietary concepts." Diabetes Mellitus: Diagnosis and Treatment, American Diabetes Association, 1964.