Ideal Weight Calculator
Enter your height in inches and select your gender. The calculator shows ideal weight estimates from three medical formulas plus the healthy BMI weight range.
Devine Formula:
Robinson Formula:
Miller Formula:
Healthy BMI Low:
Healthy BMI High:
How to Calculate Your Ideal Body Weight
Ideal body weight (IBW) is a clinical estimate of how much a person should weigh based on their height and gender. Healthcare professionals use IBW formulas to guide drug dosing, nutritional planning, and fitness goal setting. While no single number defines a "perfect" weight, these evidence-based formulas provide useful reference points that have been validated across decades of medical research.
This calculator uses three of the most widely cited ideal weight formulas — Devine, Robinson, and Miller — along with a healthy BMI weight range to give you a comprehensive picture.
Understanding the Formulas
Devine Formula (1974)
The Devine formula was originally developed by Dr. B.J. Devine for calculating drug dosages. It quickly became the most popular ideal weight equation in medicine. For males, the formula is 110 + 5.06 × (height in inches − 60). For females, it is 100 + 5.06 × (height in inches − 60). The Devine formula tends to produce slightly lower estimates for shorter individuals and is considered a good middle-ground estimate.
Robinson Formula (1983)
Developed by Robinson and colleagues, this formula was designed to improve upon Devine's work with updated population data. For males, the calculation is 115 + 4.09 × (height in inches − 60). For females, it is 108 + 3.94 × (height in inches − 60). Robinson's formula generally produces slightly higher base weights and a gentler increase per inch of height.
Miller Formula (1983)
The Miller formula was published the same year as Robinson's and takes a different approach to the height-weight relationship. For males, the equation is 123.7 + 3.09 × (height in inches − 60). For females, it is 115.7 + 2.54 × (height in inches − 60). Miller's formula produces the highest base weight but the smallest increase per inch, making it more conservative for taller individuals.
Healthy BMI Range
In addition to the three formulas, this calculator computes the weight range corresponding to a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9. The BMI-based range uses the equation weight = BMI × height² (in meters), converted to pounds. This range is recommended by the World Health Organization as the "normal" weight category and provides a broader, population-based perspective.
Reference Table: Ideal Weight by Height
| Height | Devine (M) | Robinson (M) | Miller (M) | BMI 18.5–24.9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5′0″ (60″) | 110.0 lbs | 115.0 lbs | 123.7 lbs | 96–128 lbs |
| 5′2″ (62″) | 120.1 lbs | 123.2 lbs | 129.9 lbs | 104–139 lbs |
| 5′4″ (64″) | 130.2 lbs | 131.4 lbs | 136.1 lbs | 112–150 lbs |
| 5′6″ (66″) | 140.4 lbs | 139.5 lbs | 142.2 lbs | 121–162 lbs |
| 5′8″ (68″) | 150.5 lbs | 147.7 lbs | 148.4 lbs | 130–174 lbs |
| 5′10″ (70″) | 160.6 lbs | 155.9 lbs | 154.6 lbs | 139–186 lbs |
| 6′0″ (72″) | 170.7 lbs | 164.1 lbs | 160.8 lbs | 149–199 lbs |
| 6′2″ (74″) | 180.8 lbs | 172.3 lbs | 166.9 lbs | 159–212 lbs |
Limitations of Ideal Weight Formulas
These formulas have important limitations. They do not account for body composition — a muscular athlete may weigh well above the "ideal" range while having a perfectly healthy body fat percentage. Body frame size, bone density, and ethnic background all influence what constitutes a healthy weight for any given height. Age also matters, as body composition changes throughout life.
The formulas were developed primarily using data from Caucasian populations and may not be equally accurate for all ethnic groups. For a more complete assessment, consider using body fat percentage measurements, waist-to-hip ratio, or consulting with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your individual circumstances.
Body Frame Size Considerations
Some older ideal weight tables (such as the Metropolitan Life Insurance tables) included adjustments for small, medium, and large body frames. You can estimate your frame size by wrapping your thumb and middle finger around your wrist — if they overlap you have a small frame, if they just touch you have a medium frame, and if they do not touch you have a large frame. Small-framed individuals may have ideal weights 10% below the formula estimates, while large-framed individuals may be 10% above.
Ideal Weight vs. BMI
BMI and ideal weight formulas serve different purposes. BMI is a simple screening tool that categorizes weight status for populations, while ideal weight formulas attempt to pinpoint a specific target weight. Neither is a diagnostic tool on its own. BMI does not distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass, and ideal weight formulas do not account for individual variation in body composition. Using both together — as this calculator does — provides a more complete picture than either metric alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ideal weight formula is the most accurate?
No single formula is universally most accurate. The Devine formula is the most widely used in clinical settings, but Robinson and Miller offer additional perspectives. Comparing all three gives you a reasonable range rather than relying on a single estimate.
Why is my ideal weight different from what I expected?
Ideal weight formulas use only height and gender, so they cannot account for muscle mass, bone density, body frame size, or age. Athletes and individuals with larger frames often have healthy weights above the calculated ideal.
Can I use ideal weight to set a weight loss goal?
These formulas can provide a general target, but your weight loss goal should be personalized. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian who can evaluate your body composition, health history, and lifestyle.
What is the difference between ideal weight and healthy weight?
Ideal weight is a single value estimated by a formula, while healthy weight is typically expressed as a range (such as the BMI 18.5–24.9 range). The healthy weight range accommodates natural variation in body composition.
Do ideal weight formulas work for children or teenagers?
No. These formulas are designed for adults only. Children and adolescents should use age- and sex-specific growth charts provided by the CDC or WHO to assess healthy weight.
Related Tools
- BMI Calculator — Calculate your body mass index and weight classification
- Body Fat Calculator — Estimate body fat percentage using the US Navy method
- BMR Calculator — Find your basal metabolic rate and daily calorie burn
- Macro Calculator — Calculate daily macronutrient targets for your goals
- Protein Intake Calculator — Determine your optimal daily protein needs
Sources
- Devine, B.J. (1974). Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy, 8, 650–655.
- Robinson, J.D. et al. (1983). Determination of ideal body weight for drug dosage calculations. American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 40(6), 1016–1019.
- World Health Organization: Body Mass Index Classification
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Adult BMI