Ideal Weight Calculator
Calculate your ideal body weight using four clinically established formulas: Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi
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Quick summary
An ideal weight calculator estimates the weight associated with optimal health for a given height and gender. Four commonly cited clinical formulas — Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi — are used. These formulas were developed for clinical drug dosing, not general wellness, and have limitations for individuals with high muscle mass or non-standard body compositions.
Reviewed by Simple Calculators TeamLast reviewed
For information only — not medical advice. Results are estimates from published formulas and can't account for your health history. Talk to a doctor or other qualified clinician before making health decisions.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the inputs requested by the calculator.
- Choose the units or options that match your situation and review the assumptions.
- Run or update the calculation to see the result.
- Review the result, breakdown, and formulas shown on the page.
- Check the inputs, units, dates, and limitations before saving or sharing the result.
Ideal Weight Formulas & Examples
Devine Formula (Male)
- IBW
- Ideal body weight in kg
- h
- Height in inches
- 60
- 5 feet (60 inches) — the base height
Worked example
Male, 70 inches tall (5'10")
- Given
- h = 70 inches
- Calculation
- Result
- IBW = 50 + 23 = 73 kg
Devine Formula (Female)
- IBW
- Ideal body weight in kg
- h
- Height in inches
Worked example
Female, 65 inches tall (5'5")
- Given
- h = 65 inches
- Calculation
- Result
- IBW = 45.5 + 11.5 = 57 kg
Frequently asked questions
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
No single formula is universally most accurate. The Devine formula is the most widely used in clinical practice (especially for drug dosing). A 2016 analysis in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy found that no single formula outperforms the others for all populations. The BMI-based range (18.5–24.9) is often considered the most evidence-based standard.
Is ideal weight the same as a healthy weight?
Not necessarily. Ideal weight formulas were originally designed for pharmaceutical drug dosing and may not reflect optimal health weight for all individuals. Factors like muscle mass, age, bone density, and ethnicity are not accounted for. The WHO considers a BMI of 18.5–24.9 the healthy weight range.
What if I am shorter than 5 feet (152.4 cm)?
The Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas were designed for adults taller than 5 feet. For heights at or below 5 feet, these formulas return the base value (50 kg for males, 45.5 kg for females using Devine) and are less reliable.
Do these formulas apply to athletes or very muscular people?
No. These formulas do not account for muscle mass. An athlete may be heavier than the ideal weight estimate while still being at a healthy body fat percentage. Body fat percentage is a better metric for such individuals.
Key terms
- IBW
- Ideal Body Weight — a target weight estimate based on height and gender, used primarily in clinical settings.
- Devine Formula
- The most widely used IBW formula in medicine, developed by B.J. Devine in 1974 for pharmaceutical dosing.
- BMI Range
- The World Health Organization defines a healthy BMI as 18.5–24.9, corresponding to a healthy weight range for a given height.
Methodology, sources & limitations
This page shows the formula, assumptions, and limitations used for this estimate. Rates, thresholds, and other time-sensitive inputs can change, so verify them against the relevant official source before relying on a result.
For our review approach and the primary sources we consult, see the methodology and source policy. If you spot an outdated figure or formula, please contact us with a correction.