Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Compare your estimated ideal body weight across four well-known medical formulas — Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi — instantly, in metric or imperial.
This tool provides a general reference estimate only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
| Formula | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | — |
| Robinson (1983) | — |
| Miller (1983) | — |
| Hamwi (1964) | — |
| Height | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 5'0" (152cm) | 50.0 kg (110.2 lb) | 45.5 kg (100.3 lb) |
| 5'2" (157cm) | 54.6 kg (120.4 lb) | 50.1 kg (110.4 lb) |
| 5'4" (163cm) | 59.2 kg (130.5 lb) | 54.7 kg (120.6 lb) |
| 5'6" (168cm) | 63.8 kg (140.7 lb) | 59.3 kg (130.7 lb) |
| 5'8" (173cm) | 68.4 kg (150.8 lb) | 63.9 kg (140.9 lb) |
| 5'10" (178cm) | 73.0 kg (160.9 lb) | 68.5 kg (151.0 lb) |
| 6'0" (183cm) | 77.6 kg (171.1 lb) | 73.1 kg (161.2 lb) |
| 6'2" (188cm) | 82.2 kg (181.2 lb) | 77.7 kg (171.3 lb) |
The four ideal body weight formulas explained
Devine (1974) — originally created for medical drug dosing, this is the most widely cited ideal body weight formula today. It starts at 50 kg (men) or 45.5 kg (women) for exactly 5 feet of height, adding 2.3 kg per inch above that.
Robinson (1983) — a later refinement of Devine, using a slightly higher base weight (52 kg men / 49 kg women) and a smaller per-inch increment, which tends to produce a marginally higher estimate for taller people.
Miller (1983) — starts from a higher base weight still (56.2 kg men / 53.1 kg women) with the smallest per-inch increment of the four, generally landing as the highest estimate of the group.
Hamwi (1964) — the oldest of the four, originally published in pounds (106 lb men / 100 lb women, plus 6 lb or 5 lb per inch respectively) and still commonly used by dietitians as a quick reference.
None of the four is more "correct" than the others — they're different population-level reference equations from different decades, which is why this calculator shows all four alongside their average rather than picking just one.
Frequently asked questions
How is ideal weight calculated here?
We calculate four widely used formulas — Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi — from your height and sex, and show each one plus their average, rather than relying on a single formula.
Which ideal body weight formula is most accurate?
None of them is definitively "more accurate" — they're all population-level reference equations, not personalized medical measurements. Devine is the most commonly cited in clinical contexts, but Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi are all still in active use. Looking at all four together, as this calculator does, gives a more honest picture than trusting just one.
What's the difference between the Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas?
All four use the same basic shape — a base weight at 5 feet of height, plus a fixed amount per inch above that — but with different base weights and increments developed at different times (Hamwi in 1964, Devine in 1974, Robinson and Miller both in 1983). In practice, Miller tends to give the highest estimate and Devine the most conservative, with Robinson and Hamwi in between.
How is ideal body weight different from BMI?
BMI uses your actual height and weight to classify where you currently fall on a population scale. Ideal body weight formulas work the other way around — they estimate a reference weight from height and sex alone, without needing your current weight at all. They're related concepts but calculated very differently; try the BMI calculator to see where your current weight sits.
Is there really one 'ideal' weight?
Not really — this is a population-level estimate, and healthy weight varies significantly based on muscle mass, body frame, age, and overall health. It's a general reference point, not a personal target.
Why does the formula use height in inches over 5 feet?
The Devine formula was originally developed using imperial units, with a base weight for someone exactly 5 feet tall, adding a fixed amount per inch above that. We convert automatically if you enter height in centimetres.
Should I aim for this exact number?
Not necessarily. This is one reference point among several possible formulas, and actual healthy weight ranges are broader. A doctor can offer guidance based on your full health picture.
What is the ideal weight for someone 5'6" tall?
Using the Devine formula, ideal weight for someone 5'6" (168cm) is about 63.8 kg (140.7 lb) for men and 59.3 kg (130.7 lb) for women. See the chart above for other heights.
What is the ideal weight for a 5'10" male?
For a man 5'10" (178cm) tall, the Devine formula estimates an ideal weight of about 73.0 kg (160.9 lb).
How much does ideal weight increase per inch of height?
The Devine formula adds about 2.3 kg (roughly 5 lb) of ideal weight per inch of height above 5 feet, for both men and women — only the starting base weight (at exactly 5 feet) differs by sex.
About this tool
This calculator estimates ideal body weight using four long-established reference formulas — Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi — based on height and sex, and shows all four alongside their average. These are commonly used as general reference points in clinical and dietetic settings, though actual healthy weight varies by individual, body composition, and overall health.