What is the most accurate ideal weight formula?

No single formula is best. Devine is most widely used clinically. Robinson is considered more accurate. BMI-based is simplest. Our calculator averages all 5 for the best estimate.

Why do different formulas give different results?

Each formula was developed from different populations and time periods. Devine (1974) tends lower. Miller (1983) tends higher. The 5-formula average smooths out individual formula biases.

How do I know my body frame size?

Wrap thumb and index finger around your wrist. If they overlap: small frame. If they touch: medium. If they do not touch: large frame. Or measure wrist circumference with a tape.

What if I am muscular and above my ideal weight?

Ideal weight formulas do not account for muscle mass. If you exercise regularly and have visible muscle definition, your actual healthy weight may be 5-15 kg above your calculated ideal. Use body fat percentage instead.

Should I aim for the exact ideal weight number?

No. Think of it as the center of a range. Within 5 kg of your calculated ideal is healthy for most people. Focus on body composition (muscle vs fat) rather than hitting an exact number on the scale.

Ideal Weight Calculator - Free Ideal Body Weight (2026)

Your Ideal Weight

Average of 5 medical formulas

Ideal (Avg)

68.5 kg

Range

63.5 - 72.1 kg

Difference

+6.5 kg

Status

Above ideal

All 5 Formulas Compared

Formula	kg	lbs	Notes

// Health · ShashaTools

Ideal Weight

Sex

Height 170 cm

120220

Current Weight 75 kg

30200

Optional — used to show difference from ideal.

Frame Size

Wrap thumb + index around wrist: overlap = small, touch = medium, gap = large.

// Results

Ideal Weight

68.5

Devine (1974)

66.2 kg

Robinson (1983)

67.5 kg

Miller (1983)

70.3 kg

Hamwi (1964)

64.8 kg

BMI 22 Target

63.6 kg

Ideal weight: 63.6 - 70.3 kg (avg 66.5 kg)

How to Use This Calculator

Find your ideal weight using 5 medical formulas

Step 1 Enter Your Info

Select your sex

All 5 formulas use different calculations for men and women. Women have lower ideal weights at the same height.

Enter your height

Height is the primary input for all ideal weight formulas. Taller people have proportionally higher ideal weights.

Enter current weight

Optional but useful. Shows how far you are from your ideal range — whether you need to lose, gain, or maintain.

Select frame size

Small frame subtracts 10%, large adds 10%. Check by wrapping thumb and index finger around your wrist.

💡 Best approach: Use the average of all 5 formulas as your target. The range shows the spread. Being within 5 kg of the average is considered healthy for most people.

Step 2 Understand Results

Compare all 5 formulas

The bar chart and table show each formula side by side. Devine is most common in medicine. Miller tends highest. The average smooths biases.

Check your difference

Green = within 5 kg of ideal. Red = significantly above. Blue = below. These are guidelines, not diagnoses.

Consider your body composition

These formulas do not account for muscle. If you lift weights, your healthy weight may be 5-15 kg above the calculated ideal. Use our Body Fat calculator for more accuracy.

Set a realistic target

Aim for the range, not an exact number. Sustainable weight management targets 0.5 kg/week change. Use our Calorie Deficit calculator if you need to lose weight.

💡 Tip: Ideal weight formulas were created for average body types. They underestimate healthy weight for athletes and overestimate for very sedentary individuals. Body fat percentage is a better health indicator than scale weight alone.

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Measuring Tape

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// Related Calculators

⚖️

BMI Calculator

Check your BMI category for weight classification.

📏

Body Fat Calculator

Body composition is more accurate than scale weight.

🔥

Calorie Deficit Calculator

Plan how to reach your ideal weight safely.

📊

TDEE & Macro Calculator

Set nutrition for weight maintenance or change.

// Complete Guide — Updated 2026

Ideal Body Weight:
The Complete Guide

The question “how much should I weigh?” has no single answer. Your ideal weight depends on height, sex, body frame, muscle mass, and age. Medical science has produced several formulas over the decades, each with strengths and limitations. This calculator compares all five major formulas and averages them for the most reliable estimate possible without clinical testing.

The 5 Formulas

// Devine (1974) — Most Used

Men: 50 + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60)

Women: 45.5 + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60)

// BMI 22 Target

Ideal = 22 × height(m)²

22 × (1.70)² = 22 × 2.89 = 63.6 kg

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Average Man. James, 175 cm (5’9”), medium frame. Devine: 70.8 kg. Robinson: 71.9 kg. Miller: 73.8 kg. Hamwi: 72.6 kg. BMI 22: 67.4 kg. Average: 71.3 kg (157 lbs). He currently weighs 82 kg — about 11 kg above ideal. Use our Calorie Deficit Calculator for a plan.

Scenario 2: Petite Woman. Maria, 158 cm (5’2”), small frame. With -10% frame adjustment: Devine: 45.9 kg. Robinson: 46.4 kg. Miller: 48.2 kg. Hamwi: 45.9 kg. BMI 22: 49.5 kg. Average: 47.2 kg (104 lbs). Small frame individuals have a lower healthy weight range.

Scenario 3: Tall Athletic Man. David, 188 cm (6’2”), large frame, lifts weights. Average ideal: 86.2 kg (190 lbs) with +10% large frame. He weighs 95 kg but has 14% body fat. He is 9 kg above formula ideal but at athlete-level body composition. The formula is wrong for him. Use our Body Fat Calculator instead.

Scenario 4: Woman Choosing a Goal Weight. Sarah, 168 cm, medium frame. Average ideal: 62.8 kg. Range: 58.6 - 66.3 kg. She currently weighs 78 kg. Difference: 15.2 kg above average. She sets a realistic first goal of 70 kg (within 8 kg of ideal), achievable in ~16 weeks at 0.5 kg/week. Use our TDEE Calculator for nutrition targets.

💡 Key insight: Ideal weight calculators are starting points, not destinations. They were created for average body types in clinical settings. If you exercise regularly, your healthy weight may be 5-15 kg above the calculated ideal due to muscle mass. The best indicator of healthy weight is not a formula — it is body fat percentage, waist circumference, blood pressure, and how you feel.

Formula Comparison

Devine	Most used
Robinson	Most accurate
Miller	Tends higher
Hamwi	Oldest (1964)
BMI 22	Simplest

// Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Ideal Weight

How much should I weigh for my height? +

Depends on height, sex, frame. At 170 cm: men ~66-72 kg, women ~59-65 kg. Our calculator uses 5 formulas and averages for the best estimate.

Which ideal weight formula is most accurate? +

No single formula is best. Devine is most used clinically. Robinson is considered most accurate. Averaging all 5 gives the best estimate.

What is the Devine formula? +

Men: 50 kg + 2.3 per inch over 5ft. Women: 45.5 + 2.3 per inch over 5ft. Most commonly used in medicine since 1974.

Does frame size affect ideal weight? +

Yes. Small frame: -10%. Large: +10%. Check by wrapping thumb+index around wrist. Overlap = small, touch = medium, gap = large.

Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight? +

Not exactly. Ideal = single target from formulas. Healthy = BMI range (18.5-24.9). You can be healthy above or below ideal depending on body composition.

Why do formulas give different results? +

Different populations and time periods. Devine tends lower. Miller higher. The 5-formula average smooths individual biases.

How do I know my frame size? +

Thumb+index around wrist: overlap = small, touch = medium, gap = large. Or measure wrist with tape (men: <6.5" small, >7.5" large).

Does age affect ideal weight? +

These formulas don't adjust for age. Older adults may carry slightly more weight healthily. Athletes will weigh more. Use body fat % for better assessment.

What if I'm muscular and above ideal? +

Formulas don't account for muscle. Active people may be 5-15 kg above ideal but healthy. Use body fat percentage for accuracy.

Should I aim for the exact number? +

No. Within 5 kg of the average is healthy. Focus on body composition rather than hitting an exact scale number. The range matters more than the target.

Ideal WeightCalculator

Ideal Body Weight:The Complete Guide

The 5 Formulas

Real-World Scenarios

Ideal Weight
Calculator

Ideal Body Weight:
The Complete Guide