Ideal Weight Calculator
Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi formulas compared. Free, private and instant.
How to use the Ideal Weight
- Pick metric (cm, kg) or imperial (ft, in, lb) units.
- Choose sex: Male or Female.
- Enter height.
- Enter weight (optional) - optional.
- Press Calculate to get an instant result with a colour scale, chart and plain-English explanation.
About the Ideal Weight
Ideal body weight formulas estimate a target weight from height and sex. They were developed for drug dosing but are widely used as a rough guide. This tool shows four formulas side by side with a BMI-based target.
Also known as: ideal body weight calculator, IBW calculator, ideal weight for height, Devine formula calculator, Robinson ideal weight.
Worked example
- Sex: Male
- Height: 170 cm
Ideal body weight: 65.9 kg (Average of 4 formulas). The four formulas average 65.9 kg for a man who is 170 cm.
- Formula range: 65.2 - 66.7 kg
- Healthy BMI range: 53.5 - 72.0 kg
Formula and cut-offs
Devine: 50 kg (men) or 45.5 kg (women) + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft. Robinson: 52 + 1.9 / 49 + 1.7. Miller: 56.2 + 1.41 / 53.1 + 1.36. Hamwi: 48 + 2.7 / 45.5 + 2.2.
Frequently asked questions
Which ideal weight formula is best?
No single formula is best. They differ by a few kilograms, so treat the spread as a target range and use BMI, waist size and fitness as well.
Does ideal weight depend on age?
These formulas use only height and sex. Frame size, muscle mass and age also matter, so use the result as a guide, not a goal that must be hit exactly.
What is my ideal weight for my height?
Enter your height and sex to see the results of the Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi formulas side by side, plus the healthy BMI weight range. The formulas differ by a few kilograms, so treat them as a guide rather than a single target.
Why do doctors use ideal body weight?
Ideal body weight, usually the Devine formula, is used in clinical settings to estimate doses for some medicines and to set ventilator volumes. It was not designed as a personal weight goal.
What is the ideal body weight for a man and 170 cm?
Ideal body weight: 65.9 kg (Average of 4 formulas). The four formulas average 65.9 kg for a man who is 170 cm. Enter your own numbers above for a personal result.
Sources and references
- World Health Organization - Obesity and overweight fact sheet
- CDC - Adult BMI Categories
- NHS - BMI healthy weight calculator
Written and checked by the MediHub editorial team against the sources above. Read how we build and review our calculators.
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Last updated . This calculator is for education only and is not medical advice. See the medical disclaimer.