Ideal Weight Calculator
Find ideal weight range by height.
Formula
Devine: Male=50+2.3(in–60)
Example
175 cm → Male ~73 kg, Range 56.6–76.2 kg.
Understanding the Ideal Weight
The 'ideal weight' concept is itself controversial - there is no single right weight for a given height. The ideal weight calculator presents several historical formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi) that give ranges, not exact targets. Use them as general benchmarks, not as health verdicts.
How it actually works
Find ideal weight range by height.
The formula is straightforward arithmetic once the inputs are correct; the value of the calculator is in handling the algebraic manipulation reliably and removing transcription errors. Plug in your specific inputs above and the result appears as you type, so you can immediately see how each variable affects the answer.
What the numbers really say
For a 5'10" man, the four common ideal weight formulas produce: Devine 167 lb, Robinson 159 lb, Miller 158 lb, Hamwi 174 lb - a 16-pound range. The 'right' weight depends more on body composition, fitness level, and health markers than which formula is chosen. Treat the output as a range, not a fixed target.
The deeper context most users miss
Body composition tracking has improved significantly with the spread of bioelectrical impedance scales and DEXA scans, but the math behind interpretation has not kept pace with the technology. Most home BIA scales claim 1% accuracy but actually vary 3-7% depending on hydration, time of day, recent meals, and skin temperature. The right way to use these tools is for trend tracking under controlled conditions - same time of day, same hydration state, same scale - not for absolute measurements. A 'body fat' reading that fluctuates 5% across a single day reflects measurement noise, not real composition change. Real composition change happens over months, not days.
What people get wrong
- Treating formula output as exact. Each ideal weight formula was developed for specific clinical purposes (Devine for drug dosing, Robinson for nutrition). They produce ballpark figures, not personalized targets.
- Ignoring body composition. Two people at the same weight can have very different health profiles based on muscle vs fat ratio. Ideal weight does not measure this.
- Comparing to averages instead of personal trends. A stable weight in your personal healthy range matters more than matching a population average.
- Using adult formulas for children. Pediatric growth charts use percentile-based standards, not adult weight formulas. Use age-appropriate references for anyone under 20.
When this calculator helps most
The ideal weight calculator is most useful when you are making a real decision - comparing options, sizing a commitment, sanity-checking a quote, or planning ahead. The output is precise to your inputs; the inputs themselves are the place to slow down. Spend extra time on the assumptions you are making about rate, term, timing, or context-specific variables - those swing the answer far more than the formula's arithmetic does. A 5% change in the input often produces a 10-20% change in the output, which means small input errors compound into large output errors.
Where the math comes from
Devine formula (1974) developed for drug dosing. Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas serve nutrition and clinical contexts. WHO and CDC publish weight-for-height reference data. None claim to define 'ideal' for individuals.
Questions and answers
Which formula is most accurate?
Robinson and Miller correlate slightly better with measured healthy weight in population studies, but the differences between formulas are smaller than individual variation. Use any as a rough benchmark.
What if I do not match the calculated weight?
Weight ranges, not exact numbers, matter. Being within 10-15 pounds of the calculated ideal is well within normal variation. Health markers (BP, cholesterol, fitness) matter more than scale weight.
How does this compare to BMI?
BMI provides a single cutoff range (18.5-24.9 'normal'). Ideal weight formulas give specific numbers. Both are population-level tools with similar limitations.
Should I aim for the calculated weight?
Use it as a rough guide. Goals should incorporate body composition, fitness markers, and individual health context - not just scale weight.
Does muscle mass affect ideal weight?
Significantly. Athletes with high muscle mass often exceed 'ideal weight' formulas while being lean and metabolically healthy. Body composition matters more than weight alone.
Sources & References
Authoritative references consulted in building this calculator and educational content. These are primary sources — check directly for the most current figures.
Related calculators
Body Fat · Weight Loss · BMI · Waist-to-Height Ratio · BMI Imperial