Which ideal weight formula is best?

The Devine formula is most commonly used in medical settings. However, all formulas are estimates. A healthy BMI range (18.5-24.9) provides a more flexible and individualized target.

Why do the formulas give different results?

Each formula was developed using different study populations and methodologies. The range between them gives you a reasonable target zone rather than a single number.

Does frame size affect ideal weight?

Yes. People with larger bone structures naturally weigh more. The formulas provide averages for medium frames. Add/subtract ~10% for large/small frames.

Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?

Not exactly. Ideal weight formulas are simplified estimates. Your healthy weight depends on many factors including muscle mass, body composition, age, and overall health markers.

Ideal Weight Calculator

Calculate your ideal body weight using Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas based on height and gender.

Gender

Height (feet)

Height (inches)

Devine Formula

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Robinson Formula —

Miller Formula —

Hamwi Formula —

Healthy BMI Range —

Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾

Gender

Height (feet)

Height (inches)

Devine Formula

—

Robinson Formula —

Miller Formula —

Hamwi Formula —

Average of 4 Formulas —

Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾

Gender

Height (feet)

Height (inches)

Current Weight

lbs

Age

years

Frame Size

Ideal Weight by Formula

Devine Ideal Weight —

Robinson Ideal Weight —

Miller Ideal Weight —

Hamwi Ideal Weight —

Adjusted Targets

Frame-Adjusted Ideal —

Healthy BMI Low (18.5) —

Healthy BMI High (24.9) —

Your Status

Your Weight vs Devine Ideal —

Your Current BMI —

Weeks to Ideal (1 lb/wk) —

How to Use This Calculator

Select your gender and enter your height. The calculator shows results from four established medical formulas plus your healthy BMI weight range.

Formula

Devine (male): 50 + 2.3 × (height in inches - 60) kg
Devine (female): 45.5 + 2.3 × (height in inches - 60) kg
Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi use similar baseline formulas with different coefficients.

Example

Example: A 5'10" male: Devine = 73 kg (161 lbs), Robinson = 71 kg (157 lbs), Healthy BMI range = 129-174 lbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Devine formula is most commonly used in medical settings. However, all formulas are estimates. A healthy BMI range (18.5-24.9) provides a more flexible and individualized target.
Each formula was developed using different study populations and methodologies. The range between them gives you a reasonable target zone rather than a single number.
Yes. People with larger bone structures naturally weigh more. The formulas provide averages for medium frames. Add/subtract ~10% for large/small frames.
Not exactly. Ideal weight formulas are simplified estimates. Your healthy weight depends on many factors including muscle mass, body composition, age, and overall health markers.

Related Calculators

Sources & References (5) ▾

Devine BJ — Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intell Clin Pharm. 1974;8:650-655 — Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy
Robinson JD et al. — Determination of ideal body weight. Drug Intell Clin Pharm. 1983;17(5):362-363 — Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy
Hamwi GJ — Changing dietary concepts. In: Diabetes Mellitus: Diagnosis and Treatment. New York: American Diabetes Association; 1964:73-78 — American Diabetes Association
WHO — BMI classification and weight-for-height reference — World Health Organization
NIH/NHLBI — What is a healthy weight? Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk — NIH / NHLBI