Ideal Weight Calculator
Your ideal body weight according to four peer-reviewed formulas, plus the healthy BMI range for your height.
What does "ideal weight" actually mean?
These formulas were created for clinicians — mostly to dose medications — not as beauty standards. They approximate a mid-healthy-range weight for a given height and sex. Treat the output as a reference zone, not a finish line.
The four formulas
Robinson: men 52 + 1.9/in over 5ft · women 49 + 1.7/in
Miller: men 56.2 + 1.41/in over 5ft · women 53.1 + 1.36/in
Hamwi: men 48 + 2.7/in over 5ft · women 45.5 + 2.2/in (all results in kg)
They differ mostly in slope: Hamwi climbs fastest with height, Miller slowest. That is why we show all four plus the average — and the healthy BMI band (18.5-24.9), which modern guidelines prefer.
What matters more than the number
Two people at the same "ideal weight" can look and perform completely differently depending on muscle. Waist circumference, body fat percentage, blood pressure, lipids and fitness predict health better than scale weight. If you plan to change your weight, set the pace with the calorie deficit calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I weigh for my height?
For most adults the healthy range spans roughly BMI 18.5-24.9 — the calculator converts that into pounds or kilograms for your exact height, alongside four classic formula estimates.
Why do the formulas disagree?
Each was fitted to different clinical data decades apart. The spread between them (often 5-15 lb) is a good reminder that "ideal" is a zone, not a single number.
Is ideal weight different for men and women?
Yes — every formula uses a lower base weight for women, reflecting average differences in frame and muscle mass at the same height.
Does age change my ideal weight?
The formulas ignore age. In practice, slightly higher BMI (up to ~27) in adults over 65 is associated with better outcomes, partly because muscle reserve protects against illness.
References
- Devine BJ. Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intell Clin Pharm, 1974.
- Robinson JD, et al. Determination of ideal body weight for drug dosage calculations. Am J Hosp Pharm, 1983.
- Pai MP, Paloucek FP. The origin of the "ideal" body weight equations. Ann Pharmacother, 2000.