What is ideal body weight?
Ideal body weight is the weight associated with the best health outcomes and lowest risk of chronic disease for a given height and sex. Several formulas have been developed over decades, each using a slightly different methodology. Modern medicine typically uses the healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9), while classical formulas remain widely used in clinical settings.
How to calculate ideal body weight?
Ideal weight can be calculated using several methods:
- BMI range: Healthy weight = 18.5–24.9 × height (m)². The WHO-recommended approach.
- Robinson formula (1983): Men: 52 + 1.9 × (height in inches − 60). Women: 49 + 1.7 × (height in inches − 60).
- Miller formula (1983): Men: 56.2 + 1.41 × (height in inches − 60). Women: 53.1 + 1.36 × (height in inches − 60).
- Devine formula (1974): Men: 50 + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60). Women: 45.5 + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60).
- Hamwi formula (1964): Men: 48 + 2.7 × (height in inches − 60). Women: 45.5 + 2.2 × (height in inches − 60).
What is the ideal weight formula?
There is no single universal ideal weight formula — each has its strengths. The Devine formula was developed for pharmaceutical use and is widely used in hospitals for drug dosing calculations. Robinson and Miller formulas are based on larger population studies. The healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) is considered the most evidence-based approach for the general population.
What are some ideal weight calculation examples?
Male, 180 cm: Healthy BMI range: 59.9–80.6 kg. Robinson: 74.2 kg. Devine: 75.0 kg. Hamwi: 77.9 kg.
Female, 165 cm: Healthy BMI range: 50.3–67.8 kg. Robinson: 57.4 kg. Devine: 56.5 kg. Hamwi: 56.3 kg.
When is an ideal weight calculator useful?
An ideal weight calculator is useful for setting healthy nutrition and fitness goals, tracking weight loss or gain progress, or preparing for a consultation with a dietitian. The formulas are also commonly applied in clinical settings for calculating medication doses and selecting medical equipment.
What are the limitations of ideal weight formulas?
All ideal weight formulas were developed using Western population data and do not account for ethnicity, muscle mass, bone density, or age. Athletes and individuals with high muscle mass will typically weigh more than the formulas suggest while still being healthy. Pair your ideal weight goal with our calories burned by activity calculator to plan your exercise, and our water intake calculator to support your nutrition. Always consult a doctor for a personalised weight assessment.
Which ideal weight formula is the most accurate?
For most adults, the healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) is the most evidence-based measure and is recommended by the WHO. Among the four classical formulas, Robinson is generally considered the most balanced general estimate for the wider population, while Devine is the standard in hospitals and pharmacies because it was originally developed for drug dosing calculations. In practice all four formulas agree within 2–4 kg for the same person, so the differences are rarely significant. If your muscle mass or frame size is outside the typical range — as is common in athletes or people with a large bone structure — the BMI-based range is more flexible and better captures healthy weight variation.