Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your ideal weight range
4 formula comparison
Frame size detection
BMI weight range
Wrist measurement
"What should I weigh?" It's a simple question with a complicated answer. BMI charts give ranges. Doctors offer opinions. The internet shows unrealistic standards. Meanwhile, you're trying to set a goal that's actually healthy for your specific body.
This calculator estimates your ideal weight using multiple validated formulas, accounting for height, gender, and frame size. Get a realistic range—not an arbitrary number—based on actual science.
What is Ideal Weight?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is the weight range associated with lowest health risks for your height and frame size. Different formulas (Hamwi, Devine, Robinson, Miller) give slightly different results, reflecting that "ideal" is a range, not a single number.
Common formulas:
Devine (1974):
Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg Ă— (height in inches - 60)
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg Ă— (height in inches - 60)
Results vary 5-15% between formulas—
that variation IS your ideal range.
No formula produces the "right" weight. The range across formulas (typically ±10 lbs) represents the healthy zone. Pick a target within that range.
Why People Actually Need This Tool
Vague goals like "lose weight" fail. Specific targets like "reach 165 lbs" succeed. But that target needs to be realistic and healthy.
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Goal setting — Establish a realistic, evidence-based target weight.
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Health assessment — Understand how current weight compares to healthy range.
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Frame size adjustment — Account for bone structure in ideal calculations.
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Medical reference — Many drug dosing and procedures use ideal body weight.
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BMI alternative — Get weight targets directly instead of BMI interpretation.
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Progress milestones — Set intermediate goals on the way to ideal range.
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Reality check — Evaluate if goal weight is reasonable for height and frame.
How to Use the Ideal Weight Calculator
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Enter height — In feet/inches or centimeters.
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Select gender — Formulas differ by gender.
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Measure frame size — Wrist measurement indicates bone structure.
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View ideal range — Multiple formula results showing healthy zone.
| Formula | Base Weight | Per Inch Over 5' | Originally For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamwi | M: 106 lb, F: 100 lb | M: +6, F: +5 | Medication dosing |
| Devine | M: 110 lb, F: 100 lb | M: +5, F: +5 | Drug calculations |
| Robinson | M: 108 lb, F: 103 lb | M: +5.3, F: +4.7 | General population |
| Miller | M: 123 lb, F: 112 lb | M: +3.3, F: +2.5 | Lower estimates |
Muscular individuals may have "ideal weights" above these formulas. These calculations assume average body composition.
Real-World Use Cases
1. The Weight Loss Goal
Context: 5'8" man at 220 lbs wanting to set target weight.
Problem: What's a healthy goal to aim for?
Solution: Formulas show 154-172 lbs range. Set initial goal: 180 lbs (healthy BMI), then evaluate.
Outcome: Realistic 40-lb goal instead of arbitrary number.
2. The Frame Size Adjustment
Context: Large-framed woman feels unhealthy at "ideal" weight.
Problem: All charts say 130 lbs but she looks gaunt there.
Solution: Large frame adds 10% to ideal. Adjusted range: 143 lbs.
Outcome: Appropriate target for her bone structure.
3. The Medical Calculation
Context: Doctor calculating drug dosage based on ideal body weight.
Problem: Needs IBW for obese patient.
Solution: Use Devine formula for IBW: 165 lbs. Dose on IBW, not actual 280 lbs.
Outcome: Appropriate medication dosing for patient safety.
4. The Reality Check
Context: 5'4" woman with goal of 100 lbs.
Problem: Is this realistic or dangerously low?
Solution: Ideal range: 108-132 lbs. 100 lbs is below all formulas—potentially unhealthy.
Outcome: Goal adjusted to healthy minimum: 110 lbs.
5. The Height Milestone
Context: Teenager still growing, wondering adult weight.
Problem: What will "normal" weight be at full height?
Solution: Calculate ideal for projected adult height. Set expectations.
Outcome: Realistic understanding of body as growth continues.
6. The Post-Pregnancy Planning
Context: New mother planning return to pre-pregnancy weight.
Problem: Was pre-pregnancy weight actually ideal?
Solution: Calculate ideal range. Pre-pregnancy was within range—good target.
Outcome: Confirmed reasonable goal. Not chasing unrealistic number.
7. The Multiple Formula Comparison
Context: Confused by different "ideal weight" answers online.
Problem: Which formula is right?
Solution: See all formulas together. The range IS the answer, not any single number.
Outcome: Understanding that ±10 lb range is normal and healthy.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
These formulas calculate health-associated weights, not aesthetic ideals. Your "dream body" weight may differ from medical ideal.
Privacy and Data Handling
This Ideal Weight Calculator operates entirely in your browser.
- No measurements are sent to any server.
- No health data is stored.
- No account required.
- Works completely offline.
Your body information stays private.
Conclusion
"Ideal weight" isn't one number—it's a healthy range. These formulas provide evidence-based targets, but they're starting points for your individual journey, not commandments.
This calculator shows you that range using multiple validated formulas. Set goals within it, account for your frame size, and remember that how you feel and function matters more than any number on a scale.
Know your range. Find your number.