Ideal Weight Calculator

Using the ideal weight estimate

An ideal-weight formula supplies a height-based reference number, not an individualized goal. This tool uses the Devine equation for the headline and shows other formula estimates for comparison. The word ideal is historical formula terminology, not a verdict about your body. These equations omit age, muscle mass, medical history and many other factors, so disagreement between their results is a reason to recognize limitations rather than chase whichever number is lowest.

Step-by-step inputs

1. Sex. Select the formula's sex category. It changes the baseline used by these historical equations and does not capture individual body composition. Starting example: Male .
2. Height (feet). Enter only the whole feet part of height. The remaining inches belong in the separate field. Starting example: 5 .
3. Height (inches). Enter inches beyond the whole feet. Five feet ten inches uses 5 and 10; it is not five-point-ten feet. Starting example: 10 .

Worked example with the starting values

Using the starting inputs, the estimate is Ideal weight (Devine formula): 161 lb.

The Devine calculation starts with a baseline at five feet and adds weight for height above that reference. The breakdown shows Robinson, Miller and Hamwi estimates for the same inputs. Their differences arise from different equations, not different measurements of the person.

Healthy BMI range: 129–174 lb

Robinson

157 lb

Miller

155 lb

Hamwi

165 lb

Compare height (inches) scenarios

Whole feet and the equation category stay fixed. The table illustrates how the formulas respond to height, not a range of recommended weights for one person.

Make a useful comparison

Treat the formula estimates as context rather than a prescribed weight range. A number based only on height and a category cannot account for an athlete's muscle mass, an older adult's health needs or individual medical circumstances. Choosing the midpoint of the formulas does not remove those limitations.

Check how your height was entered before interpreting differences. The feet and inches fields work together, and a unit error can have a larger impact than any final rounding. Keep a consistent measured height when comparing calculators.

If considering weight changes, discuss appropriate goals and nutrition with a qualified clinician or dietitian. The adult BMI reference displayed with the result is also a screening reference, not a personalized prescription. Neither formula should determine a medication dose or treatment without professional oversight.

Common mistakes to avoid

• The model provides formula reference weights, not an assessment of whether your current weight is healthy. It does not even ask for current weight or medical context.
• Height-based adult formulas should not be used as child growth targets or pregnancy weight guidance. Those situations need different assessments.
• The formulas' baseline and height increments limit their interpretation, especially outside the populations and height ranges for which they were developed. An exact-looking pound value does not imply an exact ideal.