Estimate your healthy weight range using the Devine formula and compare with Robinson and Miller variants.
cm
Devine Formula
70.5kg
155.3lb
The Devine formula estimates ideal body weight based on height and sex, commonly used in medical settings.
Ideal weight varies based on body composition, muscle mass, and individual factors. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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What is the Ideal Weight Calculator?
An ideal weight calculator estimates what you should weigh based on medical formulas developed by health professionals. Unlike BMI, which uses only height and weight, ideal weight calculations account for body frame size and muscle mass, giving a more nuanced target for wellness.
How it works
The calculator applies three separate formulas (Devine, Hamwi, and Miller) that were designed by medical researchers to account for how weight distributes across different body types. Each formula starts with a base weight for a standard height, then adds or subtracts ounces per inch of height above or below that baseline. Results are adjusted for biological sex because men and women typically carry muscle and fat differently. The three estimates together create a healthy range rather than a single rigid target.
Devine Formula: Base + (Height - 60) × 2.3 lbs | Hamwi Formula: Base + (Height - 60) × 2.2 to 2.7 lbs | Miller Formula: Base + (Height - 60) × 1.9 lbs
Base weight varies by sex (around 110 lbs for women, 106 lbs for men). Height is measured in inches above 5 feet, and each formula uses a different multiplier to account for how quickly weight should increase with height. The three different multipliers reflect varying assumptions about body frame and composition.
Examples
Input
Result
Notes
Female, 5'6" tall (66 inches), average frame
118–130 lbs across the three formulas
Someone 6 inches above the baseline (5') adds roughly 14–16 lbs total, reflecting normal muscle and bone distribution for women.
Male, 5'10" tall (70 inches), average frame
165–184 lbs across the three formulas
Men's baseline is higher and the per-inch multiplier is larger, accounting for greater average muscle mass.
Female, 5'2" tall (62 inches), small frame
104–108 lbs (lower end of range)
Shorter heights and smaller frames produce lower targets. A 4-inch reduction from baseline (60 inches) subtracts about 9–11 lbs.
How to use the Ideal Weight Calculator
Enter your biological sex (male or female) to apply the correct baseline weight and multipliers.
Input your height in feet and inches (or convert from centimeters if needed).
Select your body frame size (small, average, or large) if the calculator offers that option—this narrows your range.
The tool calculates all three formulas and displays them side by side so you can see the range.
Compare your current weight to the ideal range; if you're within 10–15 lbs, you're likely at a healthy weight.
Use the result as one data point alongside BMI, body fat percentage, and how you feel—not as a single rule.
Benefits
Gets a personalized weight target based on your height and sex, not a one-size-fits-all number.
Accounts for lean muscle mass better than BMI alone, especially important if you're athletic.
Gives a range (three formulas) rather than a single rigid target, which is more realistic.
Helps set achievable fitness goals grounded in medical research rather than magazine covers.
Free to use, requires only basic measurements, and delivers instant results.
Useful for tracking progress over months if combined with other health metrics.
Tips & common mistakes
Common mistakes
Treating the ideal weight as an absolute target—it's a range and a guideline, not a diagnosis or mandate.
Ignoring muscle mass; if you lift weights or are very fit, you may legitimately weigh more without being overweight.
Using only one formula; the three together paint a more complete picture than any single method.
Forgetting to account for age and hormonal changes; your ideal weight may shift as you age.
Tips
Combine this tool with a BMI calculator and body fat percentage estimate to get a fuller picture of your health.
If you're muscular or athletic, you may land above the ideal weight range but still be very healthy—trust how you feel and other markers.
Recheck your ideal range every 5–10 years as metabolism and body composition naturally change with age.
Set a range (e.g., 120–130 lbs) rather than a single number; this is psychologically healthier and more realistic.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the three formulas give different results?
Each formula was developed by different researchers with slightly different assumptions about how height scales with weight. The Devine formula is simpler; Hamwi allows for frame size; Miller uses a smaller multiplier. Using all three gives you a realistic range rather than betting on one researcher's model.
Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?
Ideal weight is an estimate based on height and sex. Healthy weight is broader and includes your fitness level, muscle mass, bone density, and how you feel. You can be healthy above or below the ideal range if your body composition is good.
What if my ideal weight seems too low or too high?
Check that you've entered your height and sex correctly. If you're muscular, the range may be on the low side—consider your body fat percentage or waist-to-hip ratio instead. If the range still feels wrong, consult a doctor, as individual variation is real and medical factors matter.
Does the calculator account for age?
The Devine, Hamwi, and Miller formulas don't explicitly adjust for age, but age does affect body composition—you may naturally carry more fat as you age. If age is a concern, combine this tool with your doctor's guidance.
Can I use this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The standard formulas don't account for pregnancy weight gain (typically 25–35 lbs) or breastfeeding increases. Talk to your doctor about your healthy weight during and after pregnancy rather than relying solely on this calculator.
Why is my ideal weight so different from celebrity weights I see online?
Celebrities often have professional lighting, camera angles, and sometimes very low body fat percentages that aren't ideal or sustainable for most people. Ideal weight formulas are based on health research, not entertainment industry standards.