Compare adult Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi weight estimates, or calculate the weight interval corresponding to BMI18.5 to less than25. These are educational references, not personalized target weights.

Adult educational references, not personal target weights. Formula comparison requires height at least5ft (152.4cm). The mean is arithmetic, not a validated fifth formula.

Use decimal feet for ft, for example5.5ft =5ft6in.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides historical formula and BMI-derived weight references for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Do not use it to self-diagnose, set extreme weight targets, or adjust medication doses; consult a clinician/pharmacist for individualized guidance (and note these formulas are not validated for children or teens).

How This Ideal Weight Calculator Estimates Weight

This calculator compares four historical height- and sex-category-based estimates: Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi. It also provides an adult BMI reference weight interval. The arithmetic mean is shown for comparison, not as a validated fifth formula or a personal healthiest-weight prescription. Adjusted body weight is available in the separate linked tool.

Output What it tells you Best use Main limitation
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) A height- and sex-based estimate. Quick comparison point and a reference used in some clinical calculations. Does not directly measure body fat, muscle, or overall health.
BMI reference weight interval Weights corresponding to adult BMI18.5 to less than25. A screening reference for adults20years and older. Not an individualized healthy-weight prescription or body-composition test.

Formulas Used

The formulas use inches above5ft and are applied only for heights of at least152.4cm. Devine, Robinson and Miller return kilograms. Hamwi uses106lb plus6lb per inch for men and100lb plus5lb per inch for women, converted exactly to kilograms. The selected result unit changes display only.

Formula Expression
Men
IBWₘₑₙ = 50 + 2.3 × (Hᵢₙ - 60)
Women
IBWwomen = 45.5 + 2.3 × (Hᵢₙ - 60)
BMI reference weight interval
18.5 × Hₘ² ≤ Weightkg < 25 × Hₘ²

Here Hin is height in inches and Hm is height in meters. Robinson uses52+1.9x for men or49+1.7x for women; Miller uses56.2+1.41x or53.1+1.36x, where x is inches above5ft. Current weight is not required. Supported height is at most244cm; shorter heights can use the BMI interval task.

How to Read Your Result

If you are using... Use it this way
IBW Treat it as a benchmark, not a required goal weight.
Arithmetic mean The mean of four historical estimates is descriptive, not a validated fifth formula or a medication-dosing recommendation.
Health assessment Combine scale weight with BMI, waist circumference, and your broader health picture.
Fitness goals Remember that muscular people can weigh more than IBW without having poor body composition.

Example

For the male formula category at 5ft10in (177.8cm):

IBW = 50 + 2.3 × (70 - 60) = 73 kg ≈ 161 lb
Mean = (73 + 71 + 70.3 + 75.29633342) / 4 ≈ 72.3991 kg

The four estimates differ; their average does not define a required goal weight. The adult BMI task uses an included lower endpoint at18.5 and an excluded upper endpoint at25.

When Ideal Weight Can Be Misleading

Situation Why interpretation gets harder
High muscle mass Scale weight may be above IBW even when body composition is favorable.
Higher belly fat Waist size can add risk information that a single weight number misses.
Children and teens Use age-specific pediatric assessment instead of these adult references.
Pregnancy, edema, ascites, amputations, critical illness Formula-based estimates may not reflect true body composition or clinical needs.

FAQ

Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?
No. Ideal weight is a formula-based estimate. Health assessment requires individual context; BMI is one screening measure, not a diagnosis.

What inputs does the calculator need?
Enter height, choose the historical sex category for the formula-comparison task, and select kg or lb. The BMI interval task does not need sex or current weight.

Should I try to match my IBW exactly?
Not necessarily. Use it as a reference number, then interpret it alongside body composition, waist size, performance goals, and clinician guidance when medical decisions are involved.