See what four classic ideal-weight formulas suggest for your height and gender, alongside the weight range that corresponds to a healthy BMI. Extra tabs adjust for body frame size and build a simple plan towards a target weight.
Your Weight Range
Ideal Weight Formula Comparison
| Formula | Ideal Weight | Description | Best For |
|---|
Understanding Ideal Weight Formulas
Different formulas were developed for specific purposes and populations:
- Robinson (1983): Modification of Devine formula, widely used in clinical settings
- Miller (1983): Similar to Robinson, based on life insurance data
- Devine (1974): Originally for drug dosing, widely adopted for ideal weight
- Hamwi (1964): Quick estimation method, easy mental calculation
The average of these formulas provides a good general target, but remember that ideal weight varies based on muscle mass, bone density, and body frame.
Your Weight Assessment
Select Your Body Frame (or let us calculate)
Small Frame
Narrow shoulders and hips, less bone density
Medium Frame
Average build, proportionate structure
Large Frame
Broad shoulders and hips, more bone density
Weight Range by Body Frame
| Body Frame | Ideal Weight | Healthy Range | Characteristics |
|---|
About Body Frame Size
| Height Range | Small Frame (Men) | Medium Frame (Men) | Large Frame (Men) |
|---|
| Height Range | Small Frame (Women) | Medium Frame (Women) | Large Frame (Women) |
|---|
Recommendations for Your Frame Type
Your Profile
Select Your Primary Goal
💚 Optimal Health
Focus on overall wellness and disease prevention
🏃 Athletic Performance
Optimize weight for sports and competition
✨ Aesthetic Goals
Achieve your desired physical appearance
🎯 Longevity Focus
Weight range for long-term health span
Weight Loss/Gain Projection
Your Action Plan
| Week | Target Weight | Weekly Loss/Gain | Cumulative Change | Milestone |
|---|
Personalized Strategy for Your Goal
Nutrition Guidelines
Exercise Recommendations
Lifestyle Adjustments
Progress Tracking Tips
What this ideal weight calculator does
- Basic Calculator: shows the Robinson, Miller, Devine and Hamwi results and their average, the weight range for a BMI of 18.5 to 25 at your height, and how far your current weight is from the average.
- Body Frame Analysis: works out frame size from your wrist measurement (or lets you pick it) and adjusts the average by about 10% for a small or large frame.
- Personalized Plan: sets a target weight for your goal, estimates a timeline, and gives example calorie and macro targets.
The formulas used
Each formula starts from a base weight at 5 feet (60 inches) and adds a set amount for every inch above it. Weights below are in kilograms.
| Formula | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Robinson | 52 + 1.9 per inch | 49 + 1.7 per inch |
| Miller | 56.2 + 1.41 per inch | 53.1 + 1.36 per inch |
| Devine | 50 + 2.3 per inch | 45.5 + 2.3 per inch |
| Hamwi | 48 + 2.7 per inch | 45.5 + 2.2 per inch |
The healthy range uses BMI 18.5 to 25 (CDC adult BMI categories). Worked example: a man who is 5 ft 10 in gets 156.5, 155.0, 160.9 and 165.3 lb from the four formulas, an average of 159.4 lb (72.3 kg), while the healthy BMI range at his height is about 129 to 174 lb.
Things to keep in mind
These formulas were designed as simple rules of thumb and ignore muscle mass, bone structure and body composition. The results can differ by 10 lb or more between formulas, so treat them as a reference range rather than a target you must hit. This calculator is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you have questions about your result, talk with your health care provider.
Frequently asked questions
Is “ideal weight” the same as a healthy weight?
Not exactly. A healthy weight is usually described as a range, such as the BMI range above. The formulas give a single reference figure.
Does it work for children?
No. These formulas are for adults. Children and teens should be assessed with growth charts.
Looking for more? See all our free health and fitness calculators.