Ideal Weight Calculator

Find your ideal weight range based on your height, gender, and body frame using multiple formulas.

Notes:

Ideal weight formulas are estimates and don't account for muscle mass, body composition, or individual health factors.
Body frame size affects ideal weight – those with larger frames may naturally weigh more.
These calculations are meant as general guidelines, not specific medical advice.
Your optimal weight may vary based on your physical activity level and overall health profile.

Understanding Ideal Weight

Ideal weight represents a weight range associated with optimal health outcomes based on your height, gender, and body structure. Unlike simplistic height-weight charts of the past, modern approaches consider multiple factors and formulas.

Different Formulas for Ideal Weight

Several formulas have been developed to estimate ideal weight:

Hamwi Formula (1964)

Men: 106 lbs for first 5 feet + 6 lbs per inch over 5 feet

Women: 100 lbs for first 5 feet + 5 lbs per inch over 5 feet

Adjusted for frame size: Small (-10%), Large (+10%)

Devine Formula (1974)

Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet

Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet

Originally developed for medication dosing

Robinson Formula (1983)

Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet

Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet

Miller Formula (1983)

Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet

Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet

BMI-Based Method

Calculates weight range corresponding to BMI 18.5-24.9, considered the "normal" range.

Formula: Weight (kg) = BMI × Height (m)²

Understanding Body Frame Size

Your body frame size affects your ideal weight. People with larger frames typically weigh more due to heavier bone structure, not just fat or muscle.

How to Determine Your Frame Size

The wrist measurement method:

Women

Small: Wrist size less than 5.5 inches
Medium: Wrist size 5.5 to 5.75 inches
Large: Wrist size over 5.75 inches

Men

Small: Wrist size 5.5 to 6.5 inches
Medium: Wrist size 6.5 to 7.5 inches
Large: Wrist size over 7.5 inches

Elbow Breadth Method

Measure the breadth between the two prominent bones on either side of the elbow with your arm bent at 90° and compare to height-specific tables.

Limitations of Ideal Weight Calculations

What These Formulas Don't Consider

Body composition (muscle vs. fat ratio)
Athletic status and fitness level
Age-related changes in body composition
Ethnic and genetic variations
Distribution of body fat
Individual health factors and conditions

Better Approaches to Health

Focus on overall health markers (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.)
Consider body composition over weight alone
Evaluate fitness and functional abilities
Monitor weight trends rather than absolute numbers
Consider how you feel physically and mentally
Discuss your specific health needs with medical professionals

Weight vs. Health: A More Balanced View

While weight is one health indicator, it's important to adopt a more comprehensive view of health:

Physical Fitness

Cardiovascular endurance
Strength and muscle mass
Flexibility and mobility
Balance and coordination

Metabolic Health

Blood glucose levels
Cholesterol profile
Blood pressure
Inflammatory markers

Overall Wellbeing

Mental health status
Sleep quality
Energy levels
Stress management

Research has shown that health behaviors (regular physical activity, nutritious diet, not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption) have a much stronger impact on health outcomes than weight alone.

Historical Context of Ideal Weight

1830s-1940s

Life Insurance Tables

The earliest weight tables were created by insurance companies based on mortality data, not health research. These tables labeled weights with lowest mortality as "ideal" or "desirable."

1950s-1970s

Medical Formulas Emerge

Medical professionals developed formulas for calculating ideal weight (Broca, Hamwi, Devine) primarily for medication dosing purposes, not as general health targets.

1980s-1990s

BMI Becomes Standard

The Body Mass Index (developed in the 1830s) was adopted globally as a standard measurement, categorizing weight in relation to height with specific cutoffs for underweight, normal, overweight, and obese.

2000s-Present

Beyond BMI

Recognition that BMI and ideal weight have serious limitations. Increasing focus on body composition, distribution of fat, metabolic health, and personalized health approaches rather than one-size-fits-all weight standards.

Setting Healthy Weight Goals

Practical Tips for Healthy Weight Management

Focus on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than dieting
Aim for gradual changes (1-2 pounds per week maximum)
Prioritize nutrient-dense whole foods
Include regular physical activity you enjoy
Build healthy habits around sleep and stress management
Listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues
Recognize that healthy looks different for everyone

When to Seek Professional Guidance

If you have existing health conditions
If you've struggled with eating disorders or disordered eating
If your weight changes unexpectedly
If weight management affects your quality of life
If you're an athlete with specific performance goals
For personalized nutrition and exercise recommendations
For comprehensive health assessments beyond weight

Special Considerations for Different Groups

Common Myths About Ideal Weight

Myth: There's one perfect weight for your height

Truth: Healthy weight exists within a range and varies based on numerous factors including frame size, muscle mass, age, and genetics.

Myth: BMI is the gold standard for ideal weight

Truth: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle and wasn't designed as an individual health indicator. It's a population-level screening tool with significant limitations.

Myth: You can determine your frame size by "feeling" your elbow

Truth: While simple methods exist, precise frame size measurement requires proper technique and comparison to standardized tables based on height.

Myth: Weight is the most important health indicator

Truth: Behaviors like physical activity, nutritious eating, not smoking, and managing stress have far greater impact on health than weight alone.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Weight and Health

Ideal weight calculations provide general guidelines but should be interpreted as part of a broader health context:

Consider multiple methods: No single formula is perfect—look at several approaches for a more complete picture.
Focus on health behaviors: Physical activity, nutritious food choices, adequate sleep, and stress management have profound health benefits regardless of weight.
Monitor trends, not just numbers: Changes in weight and how they correlate with other health markers often provide more insight than static measurements.
Recognize individuality: Your ideal weight is influenced by unique factors including genetics, body composition, medical history, and personal health goals.
Seek professional guidance: Healthcare providers can offer personalized recommendations based on your complete health profile.

Remember that weight is just one aspect of health. Building sustainable habits that support your physical and mental wellbeing is far more important than achieving a specific number on the scale.

Ideal Weight Calculator