Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your healthy weight range based on accepted medical formulas like Robinson, Miller, Devine, and Hamwi.
Specific Formulas
🏆 Understanding Ideal Weight
Everything you need to know about using this calculator and the math behind it.
How It Works
There is no single "perfect" weight. Instead, doctors use a variety of formulas developed over the last 50 years to find a healthy target range based on your height and biological sex.
The Formulas
The Robinson formula is the most widely used. The healthy BMI range provides the most holistic view, giving you a wider acceptable weight boundary (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9).
Pro Tip
These formulas do not factor in muscle mass. If you are highly athletic or lift weights, your healthy weight will likely be higher than the averages shown here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there truly one "ideal" weight for my height? +
No — ideal weight formulas give estimates, not absolutes. The four major formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi) were originally developed in the 1970s for pharmaceutical drug dosing, not as general fitness targets. They don't account for muscle mass, bone density, age, or ethnicity. A weight that's healthy for one person may not be ideal for another with identical height. Use these numbers as rough benchmarks alongside BMI, body fat %, and how you feel.
Why do the four formulas give different results? +
Each formula was derived from different study populations and contexts. Robinson (1983) and Miller (1983) were refinements of the earlier Devine (1974) formula. Hamwi (1964) is the oldest. They all use height as the primary input but apply slightly different baseline weights and increments per inch. The spread between the lowest and highest estimate for the same person is typically 5–10 lbs — which is why a range is more meaningful than a single number.
How does waist-to-height ratio relate to ideal weight? +
Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is increasingly considered a better health predictor than weight or BMI. The guideline is: keep your waist circumference below half your height. For example, a 6-foot (183cm) person should aim for a waist under 36 inches (91cm). WHtR correlates more strongly with abdominal fat (a key risk factor for metabolic disease) than scale weight or BMI.
Should I aim for the middle of my ideal weight range? +
Not necessarily. The midpoint of the range is a reasonable starting target, but your personal ideal weight depends on how you feel, your energy levels, strength, and medical markers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar). Some people feel best at the lower end; others at the high end, especially if muscular. Focus on health outcomes — not the number on the scale — as the ultimate measure.
How fast should I try to reach my ideal weight? +
A safe rate is 0.25–0.5 kg (0.5–1 lb) per week through a combination of calorie deficit and exercise. Faster loss risks muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, gallstones, and metabolic slowdown. If you have significant weight to lose (20+ kg), the first few weeks often show faster loss due to water weight reduction — this is normal and temporary. Always consult your doctor before starting a major weight loss program.