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Ideal Weight Calculator

Find your healthy weight range

Ideal Weight Range

125.3 lbs - 168.6 lbs

Average Weight

154.9 lbs

BMI Range (18.5-24.9)

125.3 lbs - 168.6 lbs

Units
ft
in

Ideal Weight Range

125.3 lbs - 168.6 lbs

Average Weight

154.9 lbs

BMI Range

125.3 lbs - 168.6 lbs

By Formula

devine155.9 lbs
robinson152.3 lbs
miller151.9 lbs
hamwi159.4 lbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

What is ideal body weight (IBW)?

Ideal body weight (IBW) is a healthy weight range based on height and sex, used by healthcare providers for medication dosing and health assessment. It's a guide, not a strict target. A 5'9" male has IBW of 160-175 lbs depending on formula; a 5'4" female has IBW of 120-135 lbs.

  • IBW is a range, not a single number
  • Different formulas give slightly different results
  • Used by doctors for medication dosing
  • Doesn't account for muscle mass or body composition
  • Athletes and muscular people often exceed IBW healthily

Multiple IBW formulas exist because "ideal weight" varies based on frame size, muscle mass, and individual factors. Use IBW as a starting point for goal-setting, but prioritize body composition (muscle vs fat), fitness level, and how you feel over hitting a specific number.

Q

How much should I weigh for my height?

Healthy weight ranges by height (adults): 5'0" = 95-125 lbs, 5'4" = 110-145 lbs, 5'8" = 125-165 lbs, 6'0" = 140-185 lbs, 6'4" = 155-205 lbs. These ranges correspond to a healthy BMI of 18.5-24.9 and account for different body frames.

  • Healthy BMI range: 18.5-24.9 kg/m²
  • Small frame: aim for lower end of range
  • Large frame: higher end may be healthier
  • Athletes with muscle may exceed these ranges healthily
HeightWomen (Healthy Range)Men (Healthy Range)Mid-Range
5'0" (152 cm)95-125 lbs95-125 lbs110 lbs
5'4" (163 cm)110-145 lbs115-150 lbs125-130 lbs
5'8" (173 cm)125-165 lbs135-175 lbs150 lbs
6'0" (183 cm)140-185 lbs150-195 lbs170 lbs
6'4" (193 cm)155-205 lbs165-215 lbs185 lbs
Q

Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?

No single formula is universally "most accurate." The Devine formula (1974) is most commonly used in healthcare. Robinson and Miller formulas give similar results. Hamwi formula allows for frame size adjustments. Our calculator averages multiple formulas for a more reliable range.

  • Devine: Baseline height + weight per inch over 5 feet
  • Robinson: Slightly higher weights for women
  • Miller: Better for tall individuals
  • Hamwi: Add/subtract 10% for large/small frame
FormulaMen (5'10")Women (5'5")Notes
Devine (1974)166 lbs126 lbsMost used clinically
Robinson (1983)167 lbs130 lbsUpdated Devine
Miller (1983)162 lbs133 lbsSlightly lower for tall
Hamwi (1964)166 lbs125 lbsAllows frame adjustment

All formulas were developed for populations in the mid-20th century and may not perfectly apply to everyone today. Athletes, different ethnic populations, and people with varying body compositions may have different ideal weights. Use these as guidelines, not absolute targets.

Q

Is ideal weight the same as goal weight?

Not necessarily. Ideal weight is a clinical guideline based on height. Goal weight is personal and may differ. An athlete might aim higher (more muscle), while someone focused on endurance sports might aim lower. Set goal weight based on how you feel, perform, and your body composition, not just a formula.

  • IBW = Clinical reference based on height and sex
  • Goal weight = Personal target based on lifestyle and preferences
  • Athletes often have goal weights above IBW (muscle mass)
  • Consider body fat % more than scale weight
  • Sustainable weight you can maintain long-term > "ideal"

The "ideal" weight is one where you feel energetic, can perform daily activities easily, have good health markers (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol), and can maintain without extreme restriction. This may be at, above, or slightly below calculated IBW.

Q

How does frame size affect ideal weight?

Frame size (small, medium, large) adjusts ideal weight by ±10%. Measure your wrist to determine frame: Women - small <6", medium 6-6.5", large >6.5". Men - small <6.5", medium 6.5-7.5", large >7.5". A large-framed 5'10" man might have IBW of 175-185 lbs vs 155-165 lbs for small frame.

  • Measure wrist at smallest point (just below wrist bone)
  • Elbow breadth is another frame size indicator
  • Large frame = more bone mass = naturally heavier
  • Don't use frame size as excuse - muscle mass matters more
Frame SizeWrist (Women)Wrist (Men)IBW Adjustment
Small< 6"< 6.5"-10%
Medium6" - 6.5"6.5" - 7.5"No change
Large> 6.5"> 7.5"+10%
Q

Why do I weigh more than my ideal weight but look fit?

Muscle weighs more than fat by volume. A fit person with significant muscle mass can weigh 20-30+ lbs over IBW while being very healthy with low body fat. BMI and IBW don't distinguish muscle from fat. Use body fat percentage (men: 10-20%, women: 18-28% healthy) as a better metric.

  • Muscle is denser than fat (same volume weighs more)
  • Body fat % is more meaningful than scale weight
  • Healthy body fat: Men 10-20%, Women 18-28%
  • Athletes often have "overweight" BMI but low body fat
  • Waist circumference is another useful health indicator

A 5'10" man who lifts weights might weigh 195 lbs at 12% body fat - technically "overweight" by BMI but very healthy. Meanwhile, someone at "normal" weight with high body fat (25%+) and no muscle may have poor metabolic health. Prioritize body composition and fitness over scale weight.

Example Calculations

1Ideal Weight for a Male, 5'9" (175 cm)

Inputs

GenderMale
Height5 ft 9 in (175 cm)

Result

Ideal Weight Range56.7 kg - 76.3 kg
Average (4 formulas)70.2 kg
Devine70.7 kg
Robinson69.1 kg
Miller68.9 kg
Hamwi72.3 kg
Healthy BMI Range56.7 kg - 76.3 kg

For a 5'9" male (69 inches): Devine = 50 + 2.3 × (69 - 60) = 70.7 kg. Robinson = 52 + 1.9 × 9 = 69.1 kg. Miller = 56.2 + 1.41 × 9 = 68.9 kg. Hamwi = 48 + 2.7 × 9 = 72.3 kg. Average = 70.2 kg. BMI range: 18.5 × 1.75² to 24.9 × 1.75² = 56.7 - 76.3 kg.

2Ideal Weight for a Female, 5'4" (163 cm)

Inputs

GenderFemale
Height5 ft 4 in (163 cm)

Result

Ideal Weight Range49.2 kg - 66.2 kg
Average (4 formulas)55.8 kg
Devine54.7 kg
Robinson55.8 kg
Miller58.5 kg
Hamwi54.3 kg
Healthy BMI Range49.2 kg - 66.2 kg

For a 5'4" female (64 inches): Devine = 45.5 + 2.3 × (64 - 60) = 54.7 kg. Robinson = 49 + 1.7 × 4 = 55.8 kg. Miller = 53.1 + 1.36 × 4 = 58.5 kg. Hamwi = 45.5 + 2.2 × 4 = 54.3 kg. Average = 55.8 kg. BMI range: 18.5 × 1.63² to 24.9 × 1.63² = 49.2 - 66.2 kg.

Formulas Used

Devine Formula

Men: IBW = 50 + 2.3 × (height_in - 60) Women: IBW = 45.5 + 2.3 × (height_in - 60)

The most widely used ideal body weight formula in clinical settings, developed by Dr. B.J. Devine in 1974.

Where:

IBW= Ideal Body Weight in kilograms
height_in= Height in total inches

Robinson Formula

Men: IBW = 52 + 1.9 × (height_in - 60) Women: IBW = 49 + 1.7 × (height_in - 60)

An updated version of the Devine formula from 1983.

Where:

IBW= Ideal Body Weight in kilograms
height_in= Height in total inches

BMI-Based Healthy Weight Range

Min = 18.5 × height(m)² Max = 24.9 × height(m)²

Healthy weight range based on BMI thresholds of 18.5 to 24.9.

Where:

height(m)= Height in meters

Understanding Ideal Body Weight

1

Four Clinical Formulas Compared

The Devine formula (1974) is the most widely used in clinical settings, originally developed for medication dosing: Men: IBW = 50 + 2.3 × (height_inches − 60) kg; Women: IBW = 45.5 + 2.3 × (height_inches − 60) kg. For a 5’10" male (70 inches): 50 + 2.3 × 10 = 73 kg (161 lbs). For a 5’5" female (65 inches): 45.5 + 2.3 × 5 = 57 kg (126 lbs).

Robinson (1983) and Miller (1983) produced updated coefficients that slightly adjust for sex-specific body composition differences. Hamwi (1964) is the oldest formula and uniquely allows frame size adjustment of ±10%. Our calculator averages all four formulas and displays the range, giving a more reliable estimate than any single formula. The BMI calculator provides a complementary metric for health assessment.

All four formulas share a fundamental limitation: they assume a standard body composition and do not account for muscle mass. A 5’10" male with 15% body fat and significant muscle mass might weigh 195 lbs—well above the IBW of 161–167 lbs—while being perfectly healthy. The body fat percentage calculator provides a more meaningful health metric.

IBW ranges from 155–161 lbs for a 5’10" male depending on formula
FormulaMen (5’10")Women (5’5")YearClinical Use
Devine73.0 kg (161 lbs)57.0 kg (126 lbs)1974Drug dosing, most cited
Robinson71.0 kg (157 lbs)57.4 kg (127 lbs)1983Updated Devine
Miller70.3 kg (155 lbs)59.9 kg (132 lbs)1983Better for tall people
Hamwi72.7 kg (160 lbs)56.8 kg (125 lbs)1964Frame size adjustment
2

Frame Size and Body Composition Context

Frame size adjusts IBW by ±10%: measure your wrist circumference at the narrowest point below the wrist bone. For women: small frame < 6", medium 6–6.5", large > 6.5". For men: small < 6.5", medium 6.5–7.5", large > 7.5". A large-framed 5’10" man has an adjusted IBW of 167–177 lbs vs. 145–155 lbs for a small frame.

Body composition trumps scale weight for health assessment. Healthy body fat ranges: men 10–20%, women 18–28%. A 5’10" male at 195 lbs with 12% body fat (171 lbs lean mass) is healthier than the same height at 165 lbs with 30% body fat (115.5 lbs lean mass). Waist circumference (< 40" for men, < 35" for women) is another validated health indicator independent of weight.

Athletes routinely exceed IBW by 15–30+ lbs. A professional rugby player at 5’10" may weigh 220 lbs at 14% body fat—technically "obese" by BMI (31.6) but with excellent cardiovascular fitness. The TDEE calculator accounts for actual body weight and activity level, not IBW, when calculating energy needs.

IBW formulas were developed for medication dosing in hospital settings, not as personal weight targets. Use them as a reference point, but prioritize body fat percentage, waist circumference, and health markers (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol) over hitting a specific number on the scale.

3

Setting a Realistic Goal Weight

The BMI-based healthy weight range (18.5–24.9 kg/m²) is wider than the IBW formulas suggest. For a 5’9" (175 cm) male: 56.7–76.3 kg (125–168 lbs). The IBW average of 70.2 kg (155 lbs) falls within this range but toward the midpoint—not the "ideal" for everyone. A muscular individual might be perfectly healthy at 76 kg (168 lbs).

Sustainable weight is more important than "ideal" weight. Research shows weight regained after aggressive dieting averages 80% within 2 years. A weight you can maintain at 1,800–2,200 calories/day without feeling deprived is more valuable than a lower weight requiring constant restriction. The calorie calculator helps determine your sustainable calorie level.

Set goal weight based on multiple factors: how you feel and perform, health markers (blood pressure < 120/80, fasting glucose < 100, HDL > 40), and body composition goals. For most non-athletes, a BMI of 22–24 with moderate activity and 2–3 strength training sessions per week produces optimal health outcomes and is achievable long-term.

  • IBW formulas give a starting reference—not a personal prescription
  • Body fat % is more meaningful than scale weight: men 10–20%, women 18–28%
  • Waist circumference below 40" (men) or 35" (women) reduces cardiovascular risk independently of BMI
  • A weight you can maintain on 1,800–2,200 cal/day without constant hunger is more sustainable than a lower "ideal"
  • Reassess every 6 months: as fitness improves, healthy weight may increase due to muscle gain

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Related Resources

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What BMI Actually Measures (and What It Misses): The Science Behind the Number

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Last Updated: Mar 26, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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