⚖️ Ideal Weight Calculator

Calculate your ideal body weight using multiple medical formulas.

Calculator
Formulas
BMI vs Ideal
Factors
FAQ

Ideal Weight Calculator

Enter your height and gender to calculate ideal weight using multiple medical formulas.

Medical Weight Formulas

FormulaMale CalculationFemale CalculationYear Developed
Hamwi48 + 2.7 × (height in inches - 60)45.5 + 2.2 × (height in inches - 60)1964
Devine50 + 2.3 × (height in inches - 60)45.5 + 2.3 × (height in inches - 60)1974
Robinson52 + 1.9 × (height in inches - 60)49 + 1.7 × (height in inches - 60)1983
Miller56.2 + 1.41 × (height in inches - 60)53.1 + 1.36 × (height in inches - 60)1983
Formula Applications:
  • Hamwi: Most commonly used in clinical practice and medical education
  • Devine: Frequently used in pharmaceutical calculations for drug dosing
  • Robinson: Developed as an improvement over Devine formula
  • Miller: More recent formula attempting to better reflect modern populations
Important Notes:
  • All formulas are for heights ≥ 5 feet (152 cm)
  • Results are in kilograms when calculated
  • Formulas don't account for body composition or frame size
  • Should be used as general guidelines, not absolute targets

BMI vs Ideal Weight Comparison

BMI CategoryBMI RangeWeight StatusHealth Risk
Underweight< 18.5Below normalIncreased risk
Normal18.5 - 24.9Healthy weightLow risk
Overweight25.0 - 29.9Above normalIncreased risk
Obese I30.0 - 34.9ObeseHigh risk
Obese II35.0 - 39.9Severely obeseVery high risk
Obese III≥ 40.0Morbidly obeseExtremely high risk
BMI vs Ideal Weight Formulas:
  • BMI: Weight-to-height ratio, doesn't distinguish muscle from fat
  • Ideal Weight: Based on statistical averages and medical observations
  • Athletes: May have high BMI due to muscle mass but healthy body composition
  • Elderly: May benefit from slightly higher weight than formulas suggest
Limitations of Both Methods:
  • Don't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition
  • May not be accurate for athletes, elderly, or certain ethnic groups
  • Don't consider distribution of body fat
  • Best used as screening tools, not diagnostic tools

Factors Affecting Ideal Weight

🦴 Body Frame Size:
  • Small Frame: 10% below calculated ideal weight
  • Medium Frame: Calculated ideal weight
  • Large Frame: 10% above calculated ideal weight
  • Measure wrist circumference to estimate frame size
💪 Body Composition:
  • Muscle tissue is denser than fat tissue
  • Athletes may weigh more due to muscle mass
  • Body fat percentage is more important than total weight
  • Strength training can increase weight while improving health
👥 Individual Variations:
  • Age: Metabolism and muscle mass change with age
  • Genetics: Family history affects body type and weight distribution
  • Ethnicity: Different populations may have different healthy weight ranges
  • Medical Conditions: Thyroid, hormonal issues can affect weight
🎯 Setting Realistic Goals:
  • Focus on health markers, not just weight
  • Consider waist circumference and body fat percentage
  • Aim for gradual, sustainable weight changes
  • Consult healthcare providers for personalized advice

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which formula is most accurate? No single formula is perfect. Hamwi is most widely used, but consider all formulas and individual factors.
  • Why do formulas give different results? Each was developed using different populations and methodologies, leading to variations.
  • Are these formulas suitable for children? No, these formulas are designed for adults. Children should use pediatric growth charts.
  • What if I'm much shorter or taller than average? Formulas may be less accurate for extreme heights. Consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.
  • Should I aim for the exact calculated weight? Use as a general guideline. A healthy range around the calculated weight is more realistic.
  • Do these account for pregnancy? No, pregnant women should follow prenatal weight gain guidelines from their healthcare provider.
  • What about body builders or athletes? These formulas don't account for high muscle mass. Body composition analysis is more appropriate.