How to use
- Enter your height in centimetres.
- Select male or female, as the four formulas use different constants.
- Compare the four estimates with the healthy BMI range shown above them.
Options explained
- Devine formula
- Starts at 50 kg for men or 45.5 kg for women at 5 feet, then adds 2.3 kg for each inch above 5 feet.
- Robinson, Miller and Hamwi formulas
- Use the same height-based pattern with different starting weights and increments. They were developed for adults at least 5 feet tall.
- Healthy BMI range
- Uses BMI 18.5 to 24.9 on the English page. It is a population screening range, not an individual diagnosis.
Formulas used
For each inch above 5 feet (152.4 cm), the formulas add the following amount to their base weight:
| Formula | Male base and increment | Female base and increment |
|---|---|---|
| Devine | 50 kg + 2.3 kg/in | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg/in |
| Robinson | 52 kg + 1.9 kg/in | 49 kg + 1.7 kg/in |
| Miller | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg/in | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg/in |
| Hamwi | 48 kg + 2.7 kg/in | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg/in |
These formulas were originally used to help estimate medication doses. They are not targets that everyone should try to reach.
Frequently asked questions
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
No single formula is accurate for everyone. They ignore muscle mass, body frame, age and body composition, so treat the spread of results as a rough reference.
Why do the four answers differ?
Each formula was developed from a different reference population and uses different base weights and increments per inch.
Can athletes use this calculator?
Use it cautiously. A muscular person can weigh more than these estimates while still having a healthy body composition.
Privacy
This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your files and text are processed on your device and are never uploaded to our servers.