TheFreeTool

Ideal Weight Calculator

Enter your sex and height. The calculator shows the ideal body weight from four classic formulas and gives you the average of the four.

Good to know

This tool gives general information only and is not medical advice. Ideal weight formulas ignore muscle, bone structure and health. Speak to a doctor about your own situation.

What it does

  • Four formulas: Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi
  • The average of the four
  • Metric (cm, kg) or imperial (inches, pounds)
  • Results shown side by side

How to use it

  1. Choose your sex.
  2. Choose metric or imperial and enter your height.
  3. Read the four estimates and the average.

Where do these formulas come from?

All four were first written for doctors who needed to work out drug doses. They start from a base weight for a height of 5 feet (60 inches) and add a set amount for every extra inch. They differ a little, which is why the results are close but not the same.

An ideal weight is a rough guide. It ignores muscle, bone structure, age and health, so a healthy person can weigh more or less. For a broader check, use the BMI calculator, and talk to a doctor about your own health.

Example

For a man who is 175 cm tall, the Devine formula gives 70.5 kg, Robinson 68.9 kg, Miller 68.7 kg and Hamwi 72.0 kg. The average is about 70.0 kg.

Questions people ask

Which formula is the best?
None is perfect. They give similar answers for most heights, so the average is a sensible middle figure.
Does it work for tall or short people?
It works for heights from 4 ft to 8 ft. Very tall or very short people may find the numbers less reliable.
Is this medical advice?
No. It is general information only. A doctor can say what weight is right for you.

Disclaimer

This tool is for general information only and is not medical advice. Results are estimates and do not diagnose, treat or replace a doctor, dietitian or other health professional. Talk to a qualified professional before you change your diet, exercise or health routine. You use this tool at your own risk, and TheFreeTool is not liable for any loss or harm that follows. Read the full disclaimer

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