Ideal Weight Calculator
Calculate ideal body weight range
Ideal Weight Range
Pro Tip
These are general guidelines. Muscle mass, bone density, and overall body composition matter more than weight alone!
Privacy & Security
Your health and weight information is completely private and secure. All calculations are performed locally in your browser - no health data is transmitted or stored. Your measurements remain confidential.
What is an Ideal Weight Calculator?
An ideal weight calculator is a health assessment tool that estimates a healthy weight range for an individual based on various physical factors including height, gender, age, and body frame size. Unlike one-size-fits-all weight charts, this calculator uses scientifically-validated formulas such as the Devine formula, Hamwi formula, Robinson formula, and Miller formula, each developed by medical researchers to provide personalized weight targets. Understanding your ideal weight is valuable for setting realistic fitness goals, assessing health risks associated with being significantly under or overweight, guiding nutrition and exercise programs, and providing context for medical treatments where dosing or risk calculations involve weight. It's important to understand that "ideal weight" is not a single perfect number but rather a healthy range, and that these formulas provide general guidelines rather than absolute requirements. Individual factors such as muscle mass, bone density, overall fitness level, and body composition can mean that healthy weights fall outside calculated ranges. Athletes with high muscle mass, for example, may be healthy at weights above their calculated ideal, while individuals with very low muscle mass might need lower weights. The calculator typically uses height as the primary input, with adjustments for gender (males generally have higher ideal weights than females of the same height due to different body compositions), frame size (small, medium, or large frames have different weight ranges), and sometimes age (metabolism and body composition change with age). Medical professionals developed these formulas primarily for clinical applications like medication dosing and nutritional assessment, but they're also useful for personal health planning. Whether you're beginning a weight loss journey and need a realistic goal, maintaining your current weight and wanting to confirm you're in a healthy range, recovering from an eating disorder and establishing healthy targets, or simply curious about health guidelines for your body type, this calculator provides evidence-based estimates that can inform your health decisions when used alongside professional medical advice.
Key Features
Multiple Formula Options
Calculate using Devine, Hamwi, Robinson, Miller, and BMI-based formulas
Frame Size Adjustment
Adjust ideal weight ranges for small, medium, or large body frames
Gender-Specific Calculations
Separate formulas for males and females based on physiological differences
Healthy Weight Range
View a healthy weight range rather than a single target number
BMI Integration
See how your ideal weight correlates with healthy BMI ranges (18.5-24.9)
Metric and Imperial Units
Enter height and weight in pounds/feet or kilograms/centimeters
Age Considerations
Optional age adjustment for more accurate calculations for older adults
Goal Tracking
Compare your current weight to ideal range to set realistic targets
How to Use the Ideal Weight Calculator
Enter Your Height
Input your height in feet and inches or in centimeters. Accurate height measurement is crucial, so measure without shoes, standing straight against a wall.
Select Your Gender
Choose male or female. Different formulas apply based on gender due to differences in typical body composition, muscle mass, and bone density.
Determine Your Frame Size
Select small, medium, or large frame. To determine frame size, measure your wrist or elbow breadth, or use the calculator's frame size tool based on height and wrist circumference.
Enter Current Weight (Optional)
Input your current weight to see how it compares to your ideal range. This helps visualize whether you're underweight, within range, or overweight relative to health guidelines.
Review Your Ideal Weight Range
See your ideal weight range calculated by multiple formulas. Remember this is a guide, not a strict requirement. Discuss results with healthcare providers for personalized advice.
Ideal Weight Tips
- Use Multiple Formulas: Calculate your ideal weight using several formulas and consider them together as a range rather than relying on a single formula's result.
- Consider Your Frame Size: Measure your wrist circumference to determine frame size and adjust your ideal weight range accordingly - frame size can shift the range by 10% or more.
- Focus on Health Markers: Prioritize blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and fitness level over hitting a specific weight number. These markers indicate health better than weight alone.
- Account for Body Composition: If you have high muscle mass from strength training, focus on body fat percentage rather than weight. You may be healthy above your calculated ideal weight.
- Set Realistic Goals: If you're far from your ideal weight range, set intermediate goals you can achieve in 3-6 months rather than focusing only on the final target.
- Consult Healthcare Providers: Discuss ideal weight calculations with your doctor or registered dietitian who can provide personalized guidance based on your complete health picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most accurate ideal weight formula?
No single ideal weight formula is definitively most accurate for everyone because individuals vary significantly in body composition, muscle mass, bone density, and other factors that affect healthy weight. However, several formulas are widely respected in medical communities. The Devine formula, developed in 1974, is commonly used in medical settings for medication dosing and is calculated as 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet for males, or 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet for females. The Hamwi formula, similar to Devine but slightly different, calculates 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet for males, or 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet for females. The Robinson formula (1983) and Miller formula (1983) offer slight variations. BMI-based calculations use your height to determine a weight range that falls within the 'healthy' BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9, providing a broader range than single-number formulas. Most experts recommend using multiple formulas and considering them together rather than relying on one. The best approach is to calculate a range using several formulas, adjust for your frame size, consider your body composition and fitness level, and discuss results with healthcare providers who can account for individual factors. Athletes with high muscle mass, for example, may be perfectly healthy above their calculated ideal weight, while individuals with low muscle mass might need to be at the lower end of the range. Use these formulas as starting points for discussion with healthcare providers rather than absolute targets.
How do I determine my body frame size?
Body frame size refers to the breadth of your skeletal structure and significantly affects ideal weight - people with larger frames naturally weigh more than those with smaller frames at the same height. The most common method to determine frame size is wrist circumference measurement. Measure your wrist at the narrowest point (just above the wrist bone) using a tape measure. For women, a wrist circumference under 5.5 inches indicates a small frame, 5.5-6.5 inches indicates a medium frame, and over 6.5 inches indicates a large frame. For men, under 6.5 inches is small, 6.5-7.5 inches is medium, and over 7.5 inches is large. However, these cutoffs vary slightly with height. Another method is elbow breadth measurement: extend your arm forward with your elbow bent at 90 degrees, measure the distance between the prominent bones on either side of your elbow, and compare to standard tables that account for height and gender. A simpler but less precise method is wrapping your thumb and middle finger around your wrist at its narrowest point - if they overlap significantly, you likely have a small frame; if they just touch, a medium frame; if they don't touch, a large frame. Frame size typically adds or subtracts about 10% from calculated ideal weight. For example, if your calculated ideal weight is 150 pounds with a medium frame, a large frame might adjust this to 165 pounds, while a small frame might adjust to 135 pounds. Understanding your frame size helps set realistic weight goals that account for your skeletal structure rather than using one-size-fits-all calculations.
Why do ideal weight formulas differ by gender?
Ideal weight formulas differ by gender because males and females have different typical body compositions, distributions of muscle and fat, and skeletal structures that affect healthy weight ranges. On average, males have higher muscle mass than females of the same height - muscle tissue is denser and heavier than fat tissue, so males' greater muscle mass means higher healthy weights. Conversely, females naturally have higher essential body fat percentages than males (women need about 10-13% body fat for normal physiological functioning, while men need only 2-5%), but since fat is less dense than muscle, this doesn't offset the muscle mass difference. Additionally, males typically have larger skeletal structures, including broader shoulders and denser bones, which add weight. These biological differences mean that at the same height, a healthy weight for a male is typically 10-15% higher than for a female. For example, using the Devine formula, a 5'10" male has an ideal weight around 72 kg (159 pounds), while a 5'10" female has an ideal weight around 64 kg (141 pounds). These differences reflect physiological realities, not social constructs. Hormonal differences also play a role - testosterone promotes muscle development while estrogen promotes fat storage in specific areas, affecting body composition. It's worth noting that these formulas use binary gender categories and may not perfectly apply to transgender individuals or those with intersex conditions, who should work with knowledgeable healthcare providers to determine healthy weight ranges that account for their specific physiology, hormone therapy effects, and other individual factors. The gender differences in formulas help provide more accurate starting points for health assessments, but individual variation means some people will have healthy weights outside their gender's typical formula results.
Is BMI or ideal weight calculator more accurate?
BMI (Body Mass Index) and ideal weight calculators serve similar purposes but have different strengths and limitations, and neither is perfectly accurate for all individuals. BMI is calculated as weight divided by height squared (kg/m²) and categorizes results as underweight (below 18.5), normal weight (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), or obese (30+). BMI is simple, standardized, and useful for population-level health assessments. However, BMI has significant limitations: it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, meaning muscular athletes are often classified as overweight or obese despite being very fit; it doesn't account for fat distribution (belly fat is more dangerous than hip fat); and it doesn't consider age, gender, or frame size differences. Ideal weight calculators using formulas like Devine or Hamwi were developed for medical applications and typically provide weight ranges rather than single numbers. They often account for gender and can be adjusted for frame size, making them somewhat more personalized than BMI. However, they also don't account for body composition - muscle versus fat - or fat distribution. The most accurate assessment of healthy weight considers multiple factors: BMI as a general screening tool, ideal weight formulas for gender-adjusted estimates, body composition analysis (body fat percentage via DEXA scan, bioelectrical impedance, or skinfold measurements), waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio for fat distribution, and clinical factors like blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and fitness level. A person might have a BMI in the 'overweight' range but be perfectly healthy with high muscle mass, low body fat, and excellent metabolic markers. Conversely, someone might have a 'normal' BMI but high body fat percentage and poor metabolic health (sometimes called 'skinny fat'). Use both BMI and ideal weight calculators as starting points, but focus on overall health markers and consult healthcare providers for comprehensive assessment.
Can I be healthy outside my ideal weight range?
Absolutely yes - ideal weight ranges are general guidelines, not rigid requirements, and many people are perfectly healthy at weights outside their calculated ideal range. Multiple factors affect what weight is healthy for you as an individual. First, body composition matters more than weight alone. Someone with high muscle mass and low body fat may weigh significantly more than their ideal weight range but be extremely healthy. Athletes, bodybuilders, and people who strength train regularly often fall into this category. Conversely, someone within their ideal weight range but with high body fat percentage and low muscle mass might have health risks despite 'normal' weight. Second, metabolic health indicators - blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, inflammatory markers - are more important than weight for assessing health. If these markers are good, you may be healthy outside your ideal weight range. Third, sustainable weight matters. If maintaining your calculated ideal weight requires extreme calorie restriction, excessive exercise, or causes psychological distress, a slightly higher weight that you can maintain healthily is better. Fourth, age affects ideal weight. As we age, slightly higher weights are associated with better health outcomes and longevity compared to being at the lower end of ranges. Fifth, medical conditions can affect healthy weight - some conditions or medications cause weight changes that don't reflect health. Finally, weight history matters. Someone who lost significant weight and maintained the loss may be healthier at a weight technically above their ideal than someone who's always been at that weight. Focus on health behaviors - eating nutritiously, exercising regularly, managing stress, sleeping well - rather than achieving a specific number. If you're outside your ideal weight range but have good health markers, feel strong and energetic, can do daily activities comfortably, and maintain your weight without extreme behaviors, you may be at a healthy weight for your individual body. Discuss your situation with healthcare providers who can assess your overall health comprehensively.
How should I use ideal weight calculations for weight loss goals?
Ideal weight calculations can help inform weight loss goals, but they should be used thoughtfully as part of a comprehensive approach rather than treated as strict targets. First, use the calculator to establish a general range rather than a specific number. Most formulas provide a 10-20 pound range which accounts for individual variation. If you're currently significantly above this range, set intermediate goals rather than aiming directly for ideal weight. For example, if you're 200 pounds and your ideal range is 130-150 pounds, set an initial goal of 180 pounds, then 160, rather than focusing on the final target. Achieving smaller milestones is more motivating and sustainable. Second, aim for gradual loss of 0.5-2 pounds per week, which is sustainable and more likely to be maintained long-term. Rapid weight loss often includes muscle loss and is rarely sustainable. Third, focus on behavior changes - eating more vegetables, reducing processed foods, exercising regularly, managing stress - rather than obsessing over the number. Healthy behaviors naturally lead toward a healthy weight. Fourth, reevaluate periodically. As you lose weight and increase fitness, your body composition changes. You might find that a weight slightly above your calculated ideal feels best and is easiest to maintain. Fifth, monitor health markers. Improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, energy levels, and fitness are more important than hitting a specific weight. Sixth, be patient. If you need to lose significant weight, this is a multi-year process. Focus on building sustainable habits rather than quick results. Seventh, seek professional support. Working with a registered dietitian, personal trainer, or therapist specializing in eating behaviors significantly increases success rates. Finally, remember that weight is just one aspect of health. Building strength, improving cardiovascular fitness, reducing stress, and developing a healthy relationship with food are equally important. Use ideal weight calculations as one data point among many in your health journey, not as the sole measure of success.
Do ideal weight formulas apply to children and teenagers?
No, adult ideal weight formulas like Devine, Hamwi, Robinson, and Miller should not be used for children and teenagers because these populations have unique growth patterns, body composition changes, and developmental needs that differ fundamentally from adults. Children and teens are actively growing, with height and weight changing rapidly during growth spurts. Their body composition shifts dramatically during puberty, with different timing and patterns for boys versus girls. Using adult formulas for youth can lead to inappropriate weight targets that don't account for normal development. Instead, pediatric weight assessment uses different tools. Growth charts, developed by the CDC and WHO, plot a child's height and weight against percentiles for their age and gender, showing how they compare to peers. A child following their established growth curve consistently is usually developing healthily, even if their actual weight differs from what an adult formula would suggest. BMI-for-age percentiles are used rather than absolute BMI cutoffs. Healthy weight for children falls between the 5th and 85th percentiles, with the 85th-95th percentile considered overweight and above 95th percentile considered obese. These percentiles account for normal developmental changes. Pediatricians also consider pubertal stage, growth velocity, family genetics, and clinical factors. Early versus late developers have very different healthy weights at the same age. Additionally, children need adequate nutrition for growth and development - restrictive dieting can impair growth, bone development, brain development, and hormonal function in ways that don't affect adults. For teens especially, unhealthy focus on weight can trigger eating disorders at a critical developmental period. If concerned about a child or teen's weight, consult a pediatrician who can assess growth patterns, rule out medical issues, and provide age-appropriate guidance. Family-based approaches focusing on healthy eating and activity habits for everyone, rather than singling out the child's weight, are most effective and psychologically healthy. Never put children or teens on restrictive diets without medical supervision, as their nutritional needs during growth far exceed adults' needs.
How does muscle mass affect ideal weight calculations?
Muscle mass significantly affects ideal weight calculations, and this is one of the major limitations of simple height-based formulas. Muscle tissue is denser and heavier than fat tissue - approximately 18% denser, meaning that the same volume of muscle weighs about 18% more than the same volume of fat. This means two people of the same height and gender can have vastly different healthy weights depending on their muscle mass and body composition. Someone with high muscle mass from strength training or athletic activity may weigh significantly more than their calculated ideal weight while being very lean and healthy. For example, a 5'10" muscular male might weigh 190-200 pounds with 10% body fat, well above the typical ideal weight calculation of 160-175 pounds, yet be extremely fit and healthy. Conversely, someone with low muscle mass might weigh within their ideal range or even below it but have high body fat percentage and related health risks, sometimes called 'normal weight obesity' or being 'skinny fat.' This disconnect between weight and health is why body composition - the ratio of muscle to fat - matters more than weight alone. Ideal weight formulas were developed as general guidelines primarily for medication dosing and population health screening, not for assessing individuals with non-average body composition. If you're physically active, especially if you do strength training, you should focus on body fat percentage rather than weight. Healthy body fat percentages are generally 10-20% for men and 18-28% for women, depending on age and fitness level. Athletes may have even lower percentages. Methods to assess body composition include DEXA scans (most accurate), bioelectrical impedance scales (convenient but less accurate), skinfold caliper measurements, and visual comparison to body composition charts. If your weight is above your calculated ideal but you have low body fat, high muscle mass, and good health markers, you're likely at a healthy weight for your individual body. Don't let height-based formulas cause unnecessary concern if you're fit and strong. Focus on how you feel, perform, and measure in terms of body composition rather than scale weight alone.
Why Use Our Ideal Weight Calculator?
Understanding your ideal weight range provides valuable context for health and fitness goals, but it's crucial to remember that these are guidelines, not requirements. Our calculator uses multiple scientifically-validated formulas to provide a comprehensive range rather than a single number, and allows adjustment for frame size to personalize results. Whether you're setting weight loss goals, evaluating your current weight status, planning nutrition and fitness programs, or simply curious about health guidelines for your body type, this tool provides evidence-based estimates to inform your health decisions. Use these results as conversation starters with healthcare providers who can help you determine optimal weight goals for your individual situation.