Body composition

Calculate Ideal Weight

There is no single ideal weight. The calculator shows you the range that four common formulas estimate for your height.

Sex

The formulas apply from 152.4 cm (5 feet).

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How it works

The four formulas come from clinical practice of the 1960s to 1980s. All of them work with a base value for a height of 5 feet (152.4 cm) and an addition for every inch (2.54 cm) above it.

Because the formulas use different base values and additions, the calculator shows the range across all four, plus the weight range for a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9.

How to use your result

These formulas only know height and sex. Muscle mass, build and body fat are left out. If you have been strength training for years, you are often clearly above them at a low body fat percentage, and that is not a problem.

For a Lean Bulk and Cut, a target weight is less helpful than a target body fat percentage. Use the range as a rough guide and steer by trend weight, waist circumference and body fat.

Formula and source

Hamwi (1964): men 48.0 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet, women 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch
Devine (1974): men 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per inch, women 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch
Robinson (1983): men 52.0 kg + 1.9 kg per inch, women 49.0 kg + 1.7 kg per inch
Miller (1983): men 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch, women 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch

Hamwi GJ (1964), in: Diabetes Mellitus: Diagnosis and Treatment, American Diabetes Association. Devine BJ (1974), Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy 8. Robinson JD et al. (1983), American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy 40. Miller DR et al. (1983), American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy 40. BMI range after WHO.

Frequently asked questions

Because there is no scientifically defined ideal weight. The formulas differ from each other, and none of them takes muscle mass into account. A range is more honest than a number with a decimal place.

Only to a very limited extent. With a lot of muscle mass, a healthy weight is often above the range. Body fat percentage and FFMI then say more.

All four formulas start from a base value at 5 feet (152.4 cm) and add for every inch above it. They are not intended for shorter people.

Better not. Set a target body fat percentage or a waist circumference instead and watch the trend. That way you end up at a weight that fits your build.

All results are estimates and do not replace advice from a doctor or dietitian.

Related calculators

BMI calculator Body mass index, its categories and its limits for muscular people. Body fat calculator Estimate with the US Navy tape measure method. FFMI calculator Fat-free mass relative to height, after Kouri 1995.