How this ideal weight calculator works
You only need your height and sex. We give you two kinds of answers.
1. A healthy weight range. This is the main result. It's the range of weights that gives a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 at your height. The CDC calls this the healthy BMI range for adults. It's wide on purpose, because healthy bodies come in many shapes.
2. Four classic formulas. Each one starts with a base weight for someone 5 ft (152 cm) tall and adds a set amount for every inch (2.54 cm) above that.
| Formula | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch | 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch |
| Robinson (1983) | 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch | 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch |
| Miller (1983) | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch |
| Hamwi (1964) | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch | 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch |
For example, a woman who is 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) gets about 131 lb (59.3 kg) from Devine. A man who is 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) gets about 161 lb (73 kg).
What your result means
The classic formulas are not health goals. A 2000 review of their history explains that they were built for dosing medicines. They don't know how much muscle you carry, how big your frame is, or how old you are. They also disagree with each other. For the 5 ft 10 in man above, they range from about 155 to 165 lb (70 to 75 kg).
Use the BMI range as your main guide. If you're anywhere inside it, you're in the range most health groups call healthy. BMI has limits too. It can label a very muscular person as overweight.
Ideal weight for height: a fuller picture
Weight is only one number. Two more can tell you about your health:
- Your waist. Try our waist-to-height ratio calculator.
- Your body fat. Try our body fat calculator.
For more on how these formulas compare, read our guide to ideal weight for height.
If you are pregnant, under 18, or have a history of eating disorders, these ranges may not fit you. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about a healthy weight for you.