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Ideal Weight Calculator

Find Your Ideal Body Weight Using Multiple Scientific Formulas

✓ Multiple Formulas✓ BMI-Based Range✓ Personalized✓ 100% Free
Start Calculating
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Ideal Weight Calculator

How do I calculate my ideal body weight?

Ideal body weight is calculated using various formulas based on height, gender, and frame size. The most common formulas include: Devine (men: 50kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5ft; women: 45.5kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5ft), Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas. For example, a 5'8" (173cm) man has an ideal weight range of approximately 68-75kg (150-165 lbs) depending on the formula used. Remember these are guidelines - healthy weight varies by individual.

This calculator uses multiple scientifically-validated formulas to provide a healthy weight range based on your height, gender, and body frame.

This Ideal Weight Calculator calculates ideal body weight using multiple established formulas including Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi. It provides a healthy weight range rather than a single number, following Health Canada guidelines and international medical standards for body weight assessment.

Standards: Devine Formula, Robinson Formula, Miller Formula, Hamwi Formula, Health Canada Weight Guidelines

Why Use Our Ideal Weight Calculator?

Multiple Formulas

Uses 4 different scientific formulas for comprehensive results

Weight Ranges

View healthy weight ranges based on scientific formulas and BMI

Health-Based

Calculations aligned with Health Canada and WHO guidelines

Goal Setting

Set realistic weight goals based on your ideal weight range

Instant Results

Get immediate calculations with detailed breakdowns

Free to Use

No registration or payment required - completely free

Devine Ideal Weight Formula

The Devine formula estimates an adult reference weight based on height above 152 cm (5 feet).

IBWmale​=50+2.3(hin​−60);IBWfemale​=45.5+2.3(hin​−60)Ideal body weight in kilograms equals 50 (men) or 45.5 (women) plus 2.3 times (height in inches minus 60).
IBW
Ideal body weight (kg)
h_in
Height in inches

Does not account for frame size, muscle mass, or body composition; use as a reference only.

About This Calculator

Formula / Method Used

Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi Formulas

Data Sources

  • Devine (1974) — Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy
  • Robinson et al. (1983) — American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
  • Miller et al. (1983)
  • Hamwi (1964) — American Diabetes Association
  • Health Canada weight classification guidelines

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Calculations based on height only
  • Do not account for body composition, muscle mass, or frame size
  • Results represent population averages, not individual ideals
  • Should be used as a general reference, not a medical target
Last Updated: March 2026
This calculator is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure accuracy.
Understanding Ideal Body Weight

Ideal body weight is an estimated weight range based on your height, gender, and body frame. Unlike single-point calculations, modern approaches recognize that healthy weight exists within a range that varies by individual factors.

Multiple scientific formulas exist (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi), each developed for specific medical contexts. Our calculator presents results from all major formulas to give you a comprehensive view of your healthy weight range based on current medical standards.

  • Each formula has been scientifically validated for different populations and medical applications
  • Healthy weight is a range, not a single number - factors like muscle mass and bone density matter
  • These calculations provide guidance; consult healthcare providers for personalized assessment
How to Use This Calculator

Calculate your ideal body weight range with these simple steps:

1

Enter Your Height

Input your height in either metric (cm) or imperial (feet/inches) units

2

Select Your Gender

Different formulas apply based on biological sex due to body composition differences

3

Choose Body Frame (Optional)

Select small, medium, or large frame to refine your ideal weight range

4

Review Your Results

See results from multiple formulas and your personalized healthy weight range

Ideal Weight Formulas Explained

Different formulas were developed for specific medical and clinical purposes:

Devine Formula (1974)

Most commonly used for medication dosing. Men: 50kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5ft. Women: 45.5kg + 2.3kg per inch over 5ft.

Robinson Formula (1983)

Updated Devine formula. Men: 52kg + 1.9kg per inch over 5ft. Women: 49kg + 1.7kg per inch over 5ft.

Miller Formula (1983)

Alternative approach. Men: 56.2kg + 1.41kg per inch over 5ft. Women: 53.1kg + 1.36kg per inch over 5ft.

Hamwi Formula (1964)

Quick calculation method. Men: 48kg + 2.7kg per inch over 5ft. Women: 45.5kg + 2.2kg per inch over 5ft.

Important Considerations

Muscle Mass Matters

Athletes and bodybuilders may weigh more due to muscle mass, which is healthy and expected

Age and Body Composition

These formulas were developed for adults 20-65; children and older adults need different assessments

Ethnicity Considerations

These formulas were developed primarily for Caucasian populations; other ethnicities may have different healthy ranges

Health Over Numbers

Focus on overall health markers (blood pressure, cholesterol, fitness) rather than just weight

Expert Tips for Achieving a Healthy Weight

Set Realistic Goals

Aim for gradual weight loss of 0.5-1 kg (1-2 lbs) per week. Sustainable lifestyle changes are more effective than crash diets.

Follow Canada's Food Guide

Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein foods. Choose plant-based proteins more often and limit highly processed foods.

Regular Physical Activity

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least twice weekly, as recommended by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.

Monitor Progress

Track your weight weekly, not daily. Look for trends over time rather than day-to-day fluctuations. Consider also tracking measurements and how clothes fit.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Canadian climate variations mean hydration needs change with seasons.

Get Adequate Sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep. Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin) and can affect metabolism.

Understanding Key Terms

Ideal Body Weight

A scientifically calculated weight range considered optimal for health based on your height, gender, and body frame. Multiple formulas exist to estimate ideal weight.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A measure of body fat based on height and weight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for most adults.

Healthy Weight

A weight range where health risks are lowest, typically based on BMI standards. Individual healthy weight can vary based on muscle mass, bone density, and body composition.

Body Frame Size

The size of your skeletal structure (small, medium, or large), which affects your ideal weight. Frame size can be estimated by measuring wrist circumference.

Weight Range

The span between minimum and maximum healthy weights for your height. This range accounts for individual variations in body composition and frame size.

Important Medical Disclaimer

This ideal weight calculator provides population-based estimates using the Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas. These are not personalized medical targets. The formulas do not account for body composition, muscle mass, bone density, or individual health factors.

Always consult with a qualified Canadian healthcare provider for personalized weight management advice. A healthy weight is individual and depends on many factors beyond height and gender.

Consult a Canadian Healthcare Professional If:

  • You have concerns about eating disorders or body image
  • Your weight is significantly outside the formula-estimated ranges
  • You have medical conditions affecting weight (thyroid disorders, PCOS, Cushing's syndrome)
  • You are pregnant or managing post-partum weight changes
  • You want a personalized weight management plan based on your complete health profile
Formula Limitations

Ideal weight formulas were developed decades ago from specific population samples. Understanding their limitations helps you use the results appropriately:

Body Composition

Formulas use only height and gender, ignoring muscle-to-fat ratio. Athletes and highly muscular individuals will consistently exceed formula estimates while being perfectly healthy.

Ethnic Diversity

Body frame size and optimal weight vary across ethnic backgrounds. Formulas were primarily developed from Western population data and may not apply equally to all demographics.

Age-Related Changes

Body composition naturally shifts with aging — muscle mass decreases while fat distribution changes. A healthy weight at 25 may differ from a healthy weight at 65.

Individual Variation

Genetics play a significant role in determining healthy weight. Some individuals are naturally healthy at weights above or below formula estimates.

Canadian Health Guidelines: Obesity Canada and Health Canada provide evidence-based guidelines for weight assessment that go beyond simple formulas. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider considers BMI, waist circumference, metabolic markers, and overall health status.

References & Sources

This calculator is based on the following authoritative sources and research:

1

Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification

Health Canada (2026)

View Source
2

Ideal Body Weight Formulas

Obesity Canada (2026)

View Source
3

Body Weight and Health

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (2026)

View Source
4

Healthy Weight Guidelines

ParticipACTION (2026)

View Source

Important Note: Ideal weight calculations provide general guidelines based on height and gender. Actual healthy weight varies based on muscle mass, bone density, body composition, and individual health factors. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized weight management advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ideal weight and weight management

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