What is "ideal weight"?

Ideal body weight is an estimate of a healthy weight based mainly on your height and sex. It is not a single perfect number — it is a sensible range. Doctors have used ideal-weight formulas for decades, originally to help calculate medication doses, and they remain a useful guide for setting realistic weight goals alongside measures like BMI and body fat percentage.

The formulas used

This calculator shows results from four established equations — Robinson, Devine, Miller, and Hamwi — plus the weight range that corresponds to a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 for your height. Each formula starts from a base weight at 5 feet (152 cm) tall and adds a set amount per inch above that. They give slightly different numbers, which is why we present a range rather than one figure.

How to use the result

Use the range as a guide, not a strict target. Body composition matters: a muscular person may sit above their "ideal" weight yet be very healthy. Frame size, age, and activity level all affect what is right for you. If your weight is well outside the range, it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions

Why do the formulas give different answers?

They were developed at different times for different purposes, so each uses slightly different starting weights and increments. Looking at all of them together gives a more realistic range.

Which is most accurate?

None is definitively "best". The healthy BMI range is the most widely used in modern medicine, while the named formulas are common in clinical dosing. Treat the overlap between them as your target zone.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.