Ideal Weight Calculator
Compare four renowned clinical formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi) along with the World Health Organization healthy BMI envelope to identify your optimal target weight range based on biological sex and height.
Clinical ideal weight formulas utilize distinct sex-specific baseline constants
Standing barefoot height in centimetres
Statistical arithmetic mean across Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your biological sex.
- Enter your standing barefoot height in centimetres.
- Examine the consensus ideal weight alongside individual clinical models.
- Cross-reference the result against the WHO healthy BMI weight boundaries.
Formula & Calculation Methodology
All major ideal body weight formulas establish a base mass for a 5-foot (60-inch) stature, and then add incremental weight for each additional inch of height. Devine is the primary clinical standard.
Worked Example
A male with height 175 cm (5 feet 8.9 inches)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Devine formula originally created?↓
Dr. Ben J. Devine introduced the formula in 1974 primarily for drug dosing calculations (such as theophylline, digoxin, and aminoglycosides) where hydrophilic medications distribute into lean tissue rather than excess body fat.
Why do Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas give slightly different results?↓
Each formula was derived from distinct epidemiological datasets and intended for different clinical applications. Hamwi originated for diabetic dietetics, Devine for pharmacology, while Robinson and Miller attempted to modernize Metropolitan Life statistics.
Does ideal body weight account for athletic muscularity?↓
No. Traditional ideal body weight formulas assume an average bone frame and normative body composition. Individuals with substantial muscular development naturally and healthily exceed these classical mathematical baselines.
How does frame size impact my true ideal weight?↓
Wrist circumference measurements determine skeletal frame size. As a general clinical rule of thumb, small-framed individuals can subtract roughly 10% from the baseline, while large-framed individuals can add 10%.
What limitation should I consider regarding ideal weight equations?↓
These formulas were primarily modeled on adult Caucasian populations between 5 feet and 6 feet tall. For individuals shorter than 152 cm (5 feet) or with non-average body proportions, the WHO BMI healthy range is generally more reliable.
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Open calculator →Source Citation & Disclaimer
Informational tool only; not licensed tax, legal, or financial advice.