Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your ideal body weight using 5 scientific formulas. Compare results and see your healthy BMI weight range.
Average of 4 Formulas
154.4 lbs
| Height | Devine (kg) | BMI Range (kg) | BMI Range (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 155 cm (5'1") | 52.4 | 44.4–59.8 | 98–132 |
| 160 cm (5'3") | 56.9 | 47.4–63.7 | 104–141 |
| 165 cm (5'5") | 61.4 | 50.4–67.8 | 111–149 |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 65.9 | 53.5–72.0 | 118–159 |
| 175 cm (5'9") | 70.5 | 56.7–76.3 | 125–168 |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 75.0 | 59.9–80.7 | 132–178 |
| 185 cm (6'1") | 79.5 | 63.3–85.2 | 140–188 |
| 190 cm (6'3") | 84.0 | 66.8–89.9 | 147–198 |
Understanding Ideal Body Weight
What is Ideal Body Weight?
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is an estimate of an optimal weight associated with maximum life expectancy for a given height. It was originally developed for pharmaceutical dosing calculations, not as a fitness target. The concept is useful as a reference point, but individual ideal weight varies significantly based on muscle mass, bone density, age, and body composition.
IBW Formulas Compared
Devine (1974)
Most commonly used in medicine. Originally designed for drug dose calculations but adopted as a general IBW standard. Tends to give lower estimates for tall individuals.
Robinson (1983)
Modified version of Devine. Uses smaller increment per inch, producing more moderate estimates especially for taller people.
Miller (1983)
Tends to give the highest estimates among the four formulas. More generous for taller individuals and may better reflect modern body compositions.
Hamwi (1964)
The oldest formula, developed for diabetic diet planning. Uses the largest increment per inch, which can result in high estimates for tall people.
Limitations to Consider
All IBW formulas share important limitations: they don't account for muscle mass (an athlete may weigh much more than "ideal" while being perfectly healthy), they were primarily developed using Caucasian populations and may not apply equally to all ethnicities, and they don't consider age. The BMI-based healthy range (18.5–24.9) provides a broader, more flexible guideline. For the most accurate assessment, combine IBW with body fat percentage measurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which formula should I trust?
Use the average of all four as a general guideline, and prioritize staying within the BMI healthy range (18.5–24.9). No single formula is definitive — they're reference points, not targets carved in stone.
I lift weights — will my ideal weight be higher?
Yes. These formulas don't account for muscle mass. A muscular person can weigh significantly more than their "ideal" weight while having a healthy body fat percentage. Use body composition analysis instead.
Does ideal weight change with age?
Research suggests that a slightly higher BMI (23–27) may be associated with lower mortality risk in adults over 65. The formulas don't adjust for age, so older adults should focus on overall health markers rather than a specific weight number.