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Ideal Weight Calculator – Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi & BMI Range

Ideal Weight Calculator

The Ideal Weight Calculator estimates your healthy weight range using four common formulas: Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi. It also provides a BMI‑based healthy weight range (18.5–24.9). Whether you are setting fitness goals, monitoring your health, or simply curious, this tool gives you a personalised target based on your height, gender, and frame size.

Ideal Weight FormulasDevine | Robinson | Miller | HamwiBased on height, gender & frame sizeBMI healthy range: 18.5 – 24.9Frame adjustments: ±10% (small/large)Use as guide – consult a doctor

Ideal Weight Formulas

Devine (1974): Men: 50 + 2.3 kg/in over 5ft; Women: 45.5 + 2.3 kg/in over 5ft.

Robinson (1983): Men: 52 + 1.9 kg/in; Women: 49 + 1.7 kg/in.

Miller (1983): Men: 56.2 + 1.41 kg/in; Women: 53.1 + 1.36 kg/in.

Hamwi (1964): Men: 48 + 2.7 kg/in; Women: 45.5 + 2.2 kg/in.

Frame adjustment: ±10% for small/large frame.

How to Use This Ideal Weight Calculator

  1. Select metric (cm) or imperial (ft/in).
  2. Enter your height.
  3. Choose your gender and frame size.
  4. Click “Calculate” to see multiple ideal weight estimates and your healthy BMI range.

Why Ideal Weight Matters

  • Health monitoring: Staying within a healthy weight range reduces risk of diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
  • Fitness goals: Provides a realistic target for weight loss or gain.
  • Medical reference: Doctors use ideal weight formulas for medication dosing and nutritional assessments.

Understanding Ideal Weight – Beyond the Numbers

The concept of ideal weight has evolved over decades. Early tables (like the 1940s Metropolitan Life tables) were based on insurance data linking weight to mortality. Modern ideal weight calculators use formulas that take into account height, gender, and sometimes frame size. However, no single number is perfect for everyone. The BMI healthy weight range (18.5–24.9) is often more flexible and accounts for natural body variations. This ideal weight calculator combines multiple approaches so you can see a range rather than a single rigid number.

Frame size matters because people with larger bones and broader shoulders naturally weigh more at the same height. To measure your frame, wrap your thumb and middle finger around your wrist. If they overlap, you may have a small frame; if they just touch, medium; if not, large. Our calculator adjusts the formulas by ±10% for small/large frames, giving you a more personalised estimate.

It is important to remember that muscle weighs more than fat. A muscular athlete may have a high BMI and fall outside the “ideal weight” range but be perfectly healthy. Conversely, a person with low muscle mass could be at a normal weight yet have unhealthy body fat. Therefore, use this ideal weight calculator as a starting point. For a complete health picture, consider also measuring waist circumference, body fat percentage, and overall fitness level.

Practical tips: If your current weight is above the ideal range, aim to lose 0.5‑1 kg per week through a combination of diet and exercise. If you are below the range, focus on nutrient‑dense foods and strength training to build muscle. Recalculate your healthy weight target every few months as your body changes. Bookmark this ideal weight calculator to track progress and stay motivated.

Step‑by‑Step Manual Example

Female, 165 cm (5′5″), medium frame:

Devine: 45.5 + 2.3×(65‑60) = 45.5 + 11.5 = 57.0 kg

Robinson: 49 + 1.7×5 = 57.5 kg

Miller: 53.1 + 1.36×5 = 59.9 kg

Hamwi: 45.5 + 2.2×5 = 56.5 kg

Healthy BMI range: 18.5×(1.65²)=50.4 kg to 24.9×(1.65²)=67.8 kg

Frequently Asked Questions about Ideal Weight

What is the most accurate ideal weight formula?
The Devine formula is most commonly used by doctors, especially for calculating medication dosages. However, no formula is perfect; a healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) is often more practical.
How do I determine my frame size?
Measure your wrist circumference with a tape measure. For women: <5.5″ small, 5.5‑6″ medium, >6″ large. For men: <6.5″ small, 6.5‑7.5″ medium, >7.5″ large. Or simply estimate based on your build.
Why do different formulas give different results?
Each formula was derived from different populations and time periods. They give a range; the most important is that your weight falls within a healthy BMI range.
Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?
Not exactly. 'Ideal weight' is often from actuarial tables (lowest mortality). 'Healthy weight' is a broader range (BMI 18.5‑24.9). Our calculator shows both.