How to use the Ideal Weight Calculator
- Choose your sex.
- Enter your height in cm (5 ft = 152.4 cm, each extra inch = 2.54 cm).
- Compare the formulas and the healthy BMI range.
Formula used
Each formula starts at 5 feet (60 inches) and adds a fixed amount per extra inch:
| Formula | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 50 kg + 2.3 kg/inch | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg/inch |
| Robinson (1983) | 52 kg + 1.9 kg/inch | 49 kg + 1.7 kg/inch |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg/inch | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg/inch |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 kg + 2.7 kg/inch | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg/inch |
Worked examples
| Height | Sex | Devine | Robinson | Miller | Hamwi | BMI range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 175 cm | Male | 70.5 | 68.9 | 68.7 | 72.0 | 56.7–76.3 |
| 160 cm | Female | 52.4 | 54.1 | 57.2 | 52.1 | 47.4–63.7 |
| 183 cm | Male | 77.7 | 74.9 | 73.2 | 80.5 | 62.0–83.4 |
How to use your ideal weight
These formulas were designed for medicine dosing, not as fitness goals, so treat them as a rough guide. A weight anywhere in the healthy BMI range can be right for you. Check where you are now with the BMI Calculator and plan a gradual change with the Calorie Calculator.
Medical note: this tool gives general estimates for healthy adults. It is not a diagnosis. Talk to a doctor or registered dietitian before making big changes, especially if you are pregnant, under 18, an athlete or living with a health condition.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal weight for 5 feet 6 inches?
For a man, the four formulas suggest about 63 to 65 kg, and for a woman about 59 to 61 kg. The healthy BMI range for that height is about 52 to 70 kg.
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
None is perfect. Robinson and Miller tend to give more realistic values for taller people, while Devine is the most widely used in medicine.
Does ideal weight depend on age?
The formulas ignore age. Many adults gain a little weight with age, and a slightly higher weight may be fine for older adults.
What about people under 5 feet?
The formulas are not designed for heights under 152 cm. Use the BMI range instead.
Should athletes use these formulas?
No. Muscle is heavy, so athletes often weigh more than these values while being very healthy. Use the Body Fat Calculator instead.
Our team builds and tests every tool by hand, checks each formula against official sources (IRS, HMRC, the Income Tax Department of India, CBSE, NHS, WHO) and reviews pages whenever rules change. Last reviewed on . Spotted a mistake? Tell us.