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Ideal Weight Calculator

Calculate your ideal body weight using four established medical formulas: Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi. Compare results across methods for a comprehensive assessment.

Reviewed by Chase FloiedUpdated

This free online ideal weight calculator provides instant results with no signup required. All calculations run directly in your browser — your data is never sent to a server. Enter your values below and see results update in real time as you type. Perfect for everyday calculations, homework, or professional use.

Total height in inches (5'10" = 70 inches)

How to Use This Calculator

1

Enter your input values

Fill in all required input fields for the Ideal Weight Calculator. Most fields include unit selectors so you can work in your preferred unit system — metric or imperial, whichever matches your problem.

2

Review your inputs

Double-check that all values are correct and that you have selected the right units for each field. Incorrect units are the most common source of calculation errors and can produce results that are off by factors of 2, 10, or more.

3

Read the results

The Ideal Weight Calculator instantly computes the output and displays results with units clearly labeled. All calculations happen in your browser — no loading time and no data sent to a server.

4

Explore parameter sensitivity

Try adjusting individual input values to see how the output changes. This is a quick and effective way to develop intuition about how different parameters influence the result and to identify which inputs have the largest effect.

Formula Reference

Ideal Weight Calculator Formula

See calculator inputs for the governing equation

Variables: All variables and their units are labeled in the calculator interface above. Input fields accept values in multiple unit systems — select your preferred unit from the dropdown next to each field.

When to Use This Calculator

  • Use the Ideal Weight Calculator for personal health tracking and wellness monitoring, establishing a baseline and tracking changes over time.
  • Use it when recording fitness metrics to track progress toward health or athletic goals.
  • Use it to compare measurements before and after a lifestyle, diet, or training change to quantify the impact.
  • Use it as a conversation starter before a doctor's appointment, bringing objective data to discuss with a healthcare professional.

About This Calculator

The Ideal Weight Calculator is a free health and wellness calculation tool designed for personal use and general informational purposes. Calculate your ideal body weight using four established medical formulas: Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi. Compare results across methods for a comprehensive assessment. This calculator provides reference values based on established health screening formulas and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results may vary based on individual factors not captured by the calculation. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized health guidance. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal health data is transmitted or stored.

About Ideal Weight Calculator

The Ideal Weight Calculator estimates your ideal body weight using four well-established medical formulas. Each formula was developed from population studies and provides a slightly different estimate, reflecting the inherent variability in what constitutes a 'healthy' weight. By comparing all four results, you get a range rather than a single number, which is more realistic and accounts for differences in body frame and composition. These formulas are widely used in clinical settings for drug dosing calculations, nutritional assessments, and general health screening.

The Math Behind It

The concept of ideal body weight (IBW) originated in the insurance industry, where actuarial tables correlated height and weight with mortality rates. Medical researchers later developed simplified formulas for clinical use. The Devine formula (1974) is the most widely used, originally developed for calculating drug dosages based on body weight. It estimates IBW as a base weight plus an increment for each inch above 5 feet. The Robinson (1983) and Miller (1983) formulas were subsequent refinements using updated population data. The Hamwi formula (1964) is the oldest. All four formulas share the same structure: a base weight at 5 feet (60 inches) plus a per-inch increment for additional height. They differ only in the base weight and increment values. Important limitations: These formulas do not account for age, body frame size, muscle mass, or ethnic variations. A heavily muscled individual may have an 'ideal weight' well above what these formulas predict. They work best as rough guidelines.

Formula Reference

Devine Formula (1974)

Male: 50 + 2.3 * (height_in - 60) | Female: 45.5 + 2.3 * (height_in - 60)

Variables: height_in = height in inches

Worked Examples

Example 1: 5'10" Male

Male, 70 inches tall

Step 1:Inches above 60: 10
Step 2:Devine: 50 + 2.3 × 10 = 73.0 kg
Step 3:Robinson: 52 + 1.9 × 10 = 71.0 kg
Step 4:Miller: 56.2 + 1.41 × 10 = 70.3 kg
Step 5:Hamwi: 48.0 + 2.7 × 10 = 75.0 kg

Range: 70.3 - 75.0 kg (155 - 165 lbs)

Example 2: 5'4" Female

Female, 64 inches tall

Step 1:Inches above 60: 4
Step 2:Devine: 45.5 + 2.3 × 4 = 54.7 kg
Step 3:Robinson: 49 + 1.7 × 4 = 55.8 kg
Step 4:Miller: 53.1 + 1.36 × 4 = 58.5 kg
Step 5:Hamwi: 45.4 + 2.2 × 4 = 54.2 kg

Range: 54.2 - 58.5 kg (119 - 129 lbs)

Common Mistakes & Tips

  • !Using these formulas as rigid targets rather than rough guidelines. Your ideal weight depends on many factors these formulas don't capture.
  • !Forgetting to convert height to total inches. 5'10" = 70 inches, not 510.
  • !Applying these formulas to children or adolescents — they were developed for adults only.

Related Concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?

No single formula is 'most accurate' — they all estimate population averages. The Devine formula is most commonly used in clinical practice. Comparing all four gives you a realistic range.

Why do the formulas give different results?

Each formula was derived from different population studies conducted at different times. They use different base weights and per-inch increments reflecting the methodology and demographics of each study.

What if I'm shorter than 5 feet?

These formulas technically apply only to heights of 5 feet (60 inches) and above. Below 60 inches, the formulas can produce unreliable results. Consult a healthcare provider.