How is ideal weight calculated?

Ideal weight is often calculated using formulas like the Devine formula, which considers height and gender. Additionally, a 'healthy weight range' is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.

What is a healthy BMI?

A healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) is generally considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9. A BMI below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is considered obese.

Ideal Weight Calculator

Find the healthy weight range for your height and gender.

Metric (cm/kg) Imperial (ft/lbs)

Gender

Height (cm)

Ideal Weight (Devine Formula)

75.0 kg

165.3 lbs

Healthy BMI Range (18.5 - 24.9)

56.6 kg - 76.1 kg

124.8 lbs - 167.7 lbs

Other Popular Formulas

Robinson (1983): -- kg

Miller (1983): -- kg

Hamwi (1964): -- kg

Understanding Ideal Weight

What is the Devine formula?

The Devine formula is the most widely used method for calculating ideal body weight, especially in medicine for drug dosing. It provides a specific weight value based on height and gender, rather than a range.

Why is there a weight range?

A single "ideal" number is useful, but health is better represented by a range. The Healthy BMI Range (18.5–24.9) accounts for different body compositions, bone densities, and muscle masses, providing a more realistic target.

Does muscle affect ideal weight?

Yes. Muscle is denser than fat. Athletes or very muscular individuals may weigh more than the "ideal" weight suggested by these formulas but still be perfectly healthy. BMI and weight formulas do not measure body fat directly.

Is ideal weight different for men and women?

Yes. Biologically, men tend to have more muscle mass and bone density, while women tend to have higher essential body fat. Therefore, formulas calculate a higher ideal weight for men at the same height.