Ideal Weight Calculator
*Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on general guidelines. Individual ideal weight may vary. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
After calculating, the results will provide ideal weight estimates from the following methods:
Robinson Formula (1983): A modification of the Devine formula, often used in clinical settings.
Miller Formula (1983): Another variant of the Devine formula, with adjustments for a broader range of individuals.
Devine Formula (1974): Originally designed for medical purposes, particularly to calculate dosages.
Hamwi Formula (1964): One of the earliest methods used for estimating ideal weight.
Healthy BMI Range: The World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended BMI range is between 18.5 - 25, which is used to determine a healthy weight based on your height.
The idea of an "ideal" weight often comes from what we see promoted in the media. However, ideal body weight (IBW) was first introduced for medical purposes to determine appropriate drug dosages, and it is not necessarily linked to visual appearance. Although IBW is still used widely today in medicine and sports, it's important to understand that it has limitations.
For instance, IBW does not take into account muscle mass versus body fat. This means highly fit individuals, such as athletes, may be considered overweight based on IBW alone, despite having low body fat percentages. Thus, IBW should be seen as a general guideline rather than a strict target.
When considering your ideal weight, it is more beneficial to focus on adopting healthy habits such as regular exercise, eating a variety of unprocessed foods, and getting enough sleep, rather than chasing a specific number on the scale.
Age: Age can influence ideal weight, particularly because people tend to lose muscle mass and gain fat as they age. For adults, this process begins after adolescence and accelerates after age 50. It’s also natural for height to decrease slightly with age, which can affect ideal weight calculations.
Gender: Males generally have more muscle mass than females, which influences body weight. Thus, ideal weight calculations differ based on gender.
Height: The taller the person, the more weight they are expected to carry. Height is a significant determinant in calculating IBW, as most formulas are based on weight relative to height.
Body Frame Size: Frame size, typically categorized as small, medium, or large, also plays a role. People with larger frames will naturally weigh more than those with smaller frames, even if they are the same height. Frame size can be measured by wrist circumference relative to height.
For women under 5'2":
Small Frame: Wrist size < 5.5"
Medium Frame: Wrist size 5.5" - 5.75"
Large Frame: Wrist size > 5.75"
For men over 5'5":
Small Frame: Wrist size 5.5" - 6.5"
Medium Frame: Wrist size 6.5" - 7.5"
Large Frame: Wrist size > 7.5"
Hamwi Formula (1964)
Male: 48.0 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
Female: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet
Devine Formula (1974)
Male: 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Female: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Robinson Formula (1983)
Male: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet
Female: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
Miller Formula (1983)
Male: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet
Female: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet
Healthy BMI Range The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a commonly used metric to assess if someone is within a healthy weight range. According to the World Health Organization, the ideal BMI is between 18.5 - 25. You can also check your BMI with our BMI Calculator.
It’s important to understand the limitations of any ideal weight formula. These calculations are meant to provide a general guideline, as they cannot factor in individual variances like physical fitness, activity levels, or muscle-to-fat ratios. Body composition plays a huge role in determining health, and IBW calculations do not account for this. Therefore, it’s essential to use IBW as just one of many indicators of health.
1. How accurate is the Ideal Weight Calculator?
The Ideal Weight Calculator provides general estimates based on different formulas. However, individual factors such as muscle mass, bone density, and overall body composition can affect the accuracy.
2. Should I aim to match my ideal weight exactly?
No, ideal weight should be used as a guideline rather than a strict target. It is more important to focus on healthy habits that contribute to your well-being.
3. What is the most commonly used formula for IBW?
The Devine Formula is one of the most widely used formulas for calculating IBW, particularly in clinical settings.
4. Why do different formulas give different results?
Different formulas were developed by various researchers with different objectives. While they all aim to estimate ideal body weight, they use slightly different values and methods to arrive at their results.
5. Can body frame size affect my ideal weight?
Yes, body frame size significantly affects your weight. Individuals with larger frames will naturally weigh more than those with smaller frames, even at the same height.
BMI Calculator: Calculate your Body Mass Index to determine if you are within a healthy range.
Daily Water Intake Calculator: Find out how much water you need to drink daily.
Fiber Intake Calculator: Calculate your recommended fiber intake based on your age and gender.