Health & Fitness

Ideal Weight Calculator

Healthy weight estimates from multiple medical formulas.

Average ideal weight

159.6 lb

Mean of Robinson, Miller, Devine & Hamwi formulas

Robinson (1983)

156.5 lb

Miller (1983)

155.0 lb

Devine (1974)

160.9 lb

Hamwi (1964)

166.0 lb

BMI healthy low (18.5)

128.9 lb

BMI healthy high (24.9)

173.6 lb

Ideal weight formulas are estimates. Body composition and health goals vary โ€” not medical advice.

Learn more

How this calculator works and what to know before using it

What this calculator does

Estimates target weight using Robinson, Miller, Devine, and Hamwi formulas, plus a BMI-based healthy range.

Understanding your result

Different formulas give a range of reasonable weights. The BMI band (18.5โ€“24.9) is often the most practical reference โ€” use the average of formulas as one data point, not a strict goal.

How to use it

  1. Choose units and sex, then enter height.
  2. Compare results across formulas and the BMI 18.5โ€“24.9 range.

Formula used

Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi

x is inches over 5 feet. Robinson, Miller, and Devine are kilograms. Hamwi is pounds. Men: Robinson 52 + 1.9x, Miller 56.2 + 1.41x, Devine 50 + 2.3x, Hamwi 106 + 6x. Women: Robinson 49 + 1.7x, Miller 53.1 + 1.36x, Devine 45.5 + 2.3x, Hamwi 100 + 5x.

Source. Height is inches over 5 feet. Robinson, Miller, and Devine are kilograms: men 52 + 1.9x, 56.2 + 1.41x, and 50 + 2.3x; women 49 + 1.7x, 53.1 + 1.36x, and 45.5 + 2.3x. Hamwi is pounds: men 106 + 6x, women 100 + 5x. Pai and Paloucek, Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 2000, trace these equations to Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), Miller (1983), and Hamwi (1964). Pai and Paloucek, 2000.

Updated November 1, 2026

Example

A 5'10" male averages about 160 lb across formulas, with a BMI healthy range of roughly 129โ€“173 lb.

Good to know

  • Formulas were developed for clinical dosing โ€” not perfection targets.
  • Athletes and muscular builds may weigh more than formulas suggest.

Common questions

Why do different ideal weight formulas disagree?
Each formula was derived from different populations and purposes (medical dosing, insurance tables). A range of results is normal.
Should I aim for the average formula result?
Use it as guidance alongside BMI range, body composition, and how you feel. A healthcare provider can help set a realistic personal target.

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