Health
Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Last updated: May 31, 2026
Written by Blake Boege
An ideal body weight calculator is a health and fitness assessment tool that estimates a healthy weight range based on a person's height, biological sex, and skeletal frame size. It applies recognized clinical formulas, including the Devine, Hamwi, Robinson, and Miller equations, which compute a base weight for five feet of height and add increments for additional inches. The calculator also cross-references the World Health Organization's normal BMI range to provide a comprehensive health benchmark for medication dosing, nutrition planning, and personal fitness goals.
Estimate your ideal body weight (IBW) using four standard clinical formulas (Devine, Hamwi, Robinson, Miller) and view your healthy weight range based on WHO BMI standards.
Quick Answer
Find your ideal body weight range based on height and gender. Compare estimates across four clinical formulas and WHO BMI standards.
Sex
Units
We compute four well-known “ideal” body weight formulas plus the BMI healthy range, then report a range across them. None of these is a medical target — they were originally designed for medication-dosing or insurance tables.
Range across formulas (men)
155 lb – 165 lb
Height 5′10″ · narrow range; bodies are not formulas
None of these is the “perfect” weight. They were built for clinical drug-dosing and insurance tables, not for personal health goals. Body composition, age, fitness, and individual health context matter much more than any formula.
Examples
Male, 5'10" height
IBW range ≈ 151.7 to 166.2 lbs · normal BMI range 129 to 174 lbs
Female, 5'6" height
IBW range ≈ 128.5 to 135.5 lbs · normal BMI range 115 to 154 lbs
Male, 6'2" height
IBW range ≈ 178.6 to 190.2 lbs · normal BMI range 144 to 194 lbs
How it works
The ideal body weight calculator uses four historical medical formulas to estimate healthy weight baselines. They calculate a base weight for a height of 5 feet, then add a linear increment for each additional inch.
Devine Formula (1974)
- Men: 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft
- Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft
Robinson Formula (1983)
- Men: 52.0 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 ft
- Women: 49.0 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 ft
The results are converted from kilograms to pounds (lbs) where applicable for regional preferences.
Understanding the formulas
Historically, these formulas were designed for specific medical uses rather than general fitness goals:
- Devine Formula: Developed in 1974 to calculate appropriate drug clearances and dosages (particularly for drugs like gentamicin) in clinical pharmacology. It remains the most widely used formula in hospitals.
- Hamwi Formula: Created in 1964 as a quick bedside estimation rule for dietitians and nutritionists.
- Robinson and Miller Formulas: Published in 1983 as statistical corrections to the Devine formula based on updated population data.
Frame size adjustments
Skeletal frame width affects natural body weight. To estimate your frame size, measure your wrist circumference and adjust the formulas accordingly:
- Small Frame: Subtract 10% from the calculated ideal body weight.
- Medium Frame: Use the calculated ideal body weight directly.
- Large Frame: Add 10% to the calculated ideal body weight.
Related body metrics tools
Assess your physical composition and energy requirements with these tools:
Disclaimer. This calculator is an estimate for educational purposes. It does not account for muscle mass, bone density, age, pregnancy, or athletic training. Refer to a healthcare professional for personalized health benchmarks.
Related Calculators
More tools from Health
Frequently asked questions
No. The clinical formulas we use (Devine, Hamwi, Robinson, Miller) compute slightly different estimates. Rather than a single absolute number, it is healthier to target a normal weight range as defined by BMI thresholds.
The Devine formula is the standard clinical method for calculating ideal body weight. For men: IBW = 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. For women: IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet.
All standard clinical formulas use height as their primary variable, adding a set weight increment (typically 2.3 to 2.7 kg) for every inch of height above 5 feet (60 inches).
Frame size accounts for bone structure thickness. Individuals with a large skeletal frame will have a higher healthy weight, while those with a small frame will have a lower one. You can adjust the calculated ideal weight by ±10% to account for frame size.
Standard height-weight formulas cannot distinguish between lean muscle and fat tissue. Very muscular individuals or athletes may weigh more than the formula suggests while remaining exceptionally healthy and lean.
Related calculators
Health
RVU Calculator
Calculate medical Relative Value Units (RVUs) and estimate Medicare reimbursement using work, practice expense, and malpractice values.
Health
Body Shape Calculator
Determine your body shape (hourglass, rectangle, pear, spoon, or inverted triangle) based on your bust, waist, and hip measurements.
Health
Batting Average Calculator
Calculate baseball and softball stats: Batting Average (AVG), On-Base Percentage (OBP), Slugging Percentage (SLG), and OPS.