MayoCalc / Health

Ideal Weight Calculator

See your healthy weight range using four validated medical formulas.

Last updated April 2026
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Ideal Weight Range
0 - 0 lbs
By Formula
Healthy BMI Range (18.5 - 24.9)
0 - 0 lbs
Disclaimer: This tool is for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, professional diagnosis, or treatment and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. No doctor-patient relationship is created by your use of this tool. Results are estimates based on published formulas and population-level data that may not reflect your individual medical circumstances. Neither MayoCalc nor Cook Media Systems assumes any liability or responsibility for damage or injury (including death) to any person arising from the use of any information, results, or content provided by this tool. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition. See our full Disclaimer and Terms of Service.

What Is "Ideal" Weight?

Ideal weight formulas estimate a healthy weight range based on height and sex. Several formulas exist, and they produce somewhat different results. This calculator uses four of the most established: Devine (1974, the most widely used in clinical settings), Robinson (1983), Miller (1983), and Hamwi (1964). All are approximations developed for specific medical purposes (primarily drug dosing) and do not account for body composition, frame size, or ethnicity.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your height and sex. The calculator shows your ideal weight estimate from each of the four formulas, a healthy weight range based on the WHO BMI range of 18.5-24.9, and where your current weight falls relative to these benchmarks. The range matters more than any single number. The BMI Calculator and Body Fat Calculator provide additional perspective.

Why "Ideal Weight" Is Complicated

No formula can define a single ideal weight for any individual. A muscular 5'10" person may weigh 195 lbs at 15% body fat and be in excellent health, while a sedentary person of the same height may weigh 175 lbs at 30% body fat and face higher health risks. Frame size, muscle mass, age, and overall fitness matter far more than matching a specific number. These calculators are best used as rough guidelines, not targets.

Ideal Weight FAQ

Which formula is most accurate?
None is clearly superior. The Devine formula is most commonly used in clinical practice (particularly for medication dosing), but all formulas were developed from limited population data and have significant individual variation. The healthy BMI range (18.5-24.9) provides a broader, more evidence-based target than any single formula.
Should I aim for the lowest weight in the range?
Not necessarily. Research suggests that health risks are lowest in the middle of the healthy BMI range (BMI 21-24). Being at the very low end of the range can carry its own health risks, including reduced bone density, muscle mass loss, and weakened immune function. Focus on body composition and fitness rather than minimizing the number on the scale.

Ideal Weight Formulas and Their Limitations

Multiple formulas estimate ideal body weight, each producing different results. The Devine formula (1974) is the most widely used in clinical settings: for men, 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet; for women, 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. The Robinson formula (1983) and Miller formula (1983) produce slightly different estimates. The Hamwi formula (1964) uses a different base weight. This calculator shows results from all major formulas because no single formula is universally accurate.

All ideal weight formulas share significant limitations. They do not account for body composition (muscle vs. fat), frame size, age, or ethnicity. A 5'10" muscular athlete and a 5'10" sedentary person have very different healthy weights despite the formulas producing identical results. Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated by the BMI Calculator, has similar limitations but remains useful as a population-level screening tool.

Modern Approaches to Healthy Weight

Current evidence suggests that metrics like waist circumference (under 40 inches for men, under 35 inches for women), waist-to-hip ratio (the Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator assesses this), and body fat percentage are better predictors of health outcomes than weight alone. The concept of "metabolic health" focuses on blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation markers rather than scale weight. A person at a higher weight with excellent metabolic markers may have lower health risks than a person at a "normal" weight with poor metabolic health. Discuss your individual situation with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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