How to use
- 1Select male or female.
- 2Enter your height in feet and inches or in centimetres.
- 3Compare the Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi results in pounds and kilograms.
- 4Check the average of the formulas and the WHO healthy range (BMI 18.5–24.9).
The four formulas
All four start from a base weight at 5 feet and add a fixed amount for every inch above it. Devine (1974): men 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch, women 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg. Robinson (1983): men 52 kg + 1.9 kg, women 49 kg + 1.7 kg. Miller (1983): men 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg, women 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg. Hamwi (1964): men 48 kg + 2.7 kg, women 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg. For a man who is 5 ft 10 in, the results run from about 70.3 kg (155 lb, Miller) to 75 kg (165 lb, Hamwi).
What “ideal body weight” really means
Despite the name, these formulas were not designed as weight-loss targets. Devine’s equation was introduced to estimate doses of certain medications, and ideal or predicted body weight is still used in hospitals for drug dosing and ventilator settings. The formulas ignore muscle mass, frame size, age and body composition, and they become unreliable below 5 ft (152 cm), where the tool shows a warning. Treat the spread between the formulas as a rough reference, not a goal.
The BMI-based healthy range
The calculator also shows the range of weights that give a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 at your height — the WHO definition of normal weight for adults. For 5 ft 10 in that is about 129 to 174 lb. This range is wider and usually more meaningful than any single “ideal” number. This tool is for information only and is not medical advice; set any weight goal together with a doctor or registered dietitian.
Frequently asked questions
What is my ideal weight for my height?
There is no single correct number. The formulas give estimates that a healthy weight can vary around, and the WHO range (BMI 18.5–24.9) shows the broader healthy band for your height.
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
None is clearly better for individuals. For taller people, Robinson and Miller give lower values than Devine and Hamwi; the average of all four is a reasonable midpoint.
Does the calculator account for age or body frame?
No. The formulas use only height and sex. Hamwi’s method is often adjusted by about ±10% for large or small frames, but that adjustment is not applied here.
Why is there a warning for short heights?
The formulas were built for adults 5 ft and taller. Below that they subtract weight per inch and can give unrealistic results, so the BMI range is the better guide.
Not happy with the results?
Talk to Webin Agency about fast, SEO-friendly websites, e-commerce and Google Ads management.