Ideal Body Weight Formulas
Several formulas estimate ideal body weight (IBW) based on height. All were originally designed for drug dosing but are widely used as general health references.
Formula Summary
| Formula | Male (kg) | Female (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Robinson (1983) | 52 + 1.9 per inch over 5' | 49 + 1.7 per inch over 5' |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 + 1.41 per inch over 5' | 53.1 + 1.36 per inch over 5' |
| Devine (1974) | 50 + 2.3 per inch over 5' | 45.5 + 2.3 per inch over 5' |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 + 2.7 per inch over 5' | 45.5 + 2.2 per inch over 5' |
Healthy BMI Range
The World Health Organization defines a healthy BMI as 18.5–24.9. The calculator converts this to a weight range for your height using: Weight = BMI × height(m)².
Limitations
- No body composition: These formulas don't distinguish muscle from fat. A muscular 5'10" person may be perfectly healthy at 200 lbs
- Frame size ignored: People with larger bone structures naturally weigh more
- Population bias: Formulas were developed primarily from Caucasian populations and may not apply equally to all ethnicities
- Height below 5 feet: All formulas use inches over 5 feet as the variable — results for shorter heights are extrapolations
Better Alternatives
- Body fat percentage: Healthy ranges are 10–20% for men, 18–28% for women. Use our Body Fat Calculator
- BMI: While imperfect, BMI combined with waist circumference gives a reasonable health assessment. See our BMI Calculator
- Waist-to-height ratio: Keep waist below half your height. Simple, effective, and accounts for central obesity