Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Use your height and sex to estimate ideal body weight (IBW) using common clinical formulas.
What is ideal body weight?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is an estimated target weight based mainly on height and sex. It is commonly used in healthcare for medication dosing, quick nutrition screening, and building practical goals when someone wants to manage their weight. IBW is not a perfect measure of health, but it can be a useful starting point.
Most IBW formulas were designed for clinical use decades ago. That means they are simple on purpose. They do not directly account for body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone structure, age-related changes, or athletic training. Still, they remain popular because they are easy to calculate and easy to understand.
How this ideal body weight calculator works
This calculator converts your height into inches and applies four well-known formulas:
- Devine formula
- Robinson formula
- Miller formula
- Hamwi formula
You will see each formula result in both kilograms and pounds, plus an average value across all formulas. The tool also displays a healthy BMI weight range for your height so you can compare IBW with another common health reference.
Understanding the formulas
1) Devine formula
Devine is one of the most frequently used clinical formulas. It assumes a baseline at 5 feet and adds a fixed amount for each inch above that height.
2) Robinson formula
Robinson gives a slightly lower estimate than Devine in many cases and is often viewed as a practical modern alternative.
3) Miller formula
Miller typically generates a somewhat higher estimate than Robinson for many height ranges. It is useful for comparison and context.
4) Hamwi formula
Hamwi has long been used in dietetics and nutrition planning. It often sits close to Devine depending on height.
How to interpret your result
Your average IBW should be treated as a reference zone, not a strict pass/fail number. Healthy body weight varies between individuals due to genetics, lifestyle, and body composition.
- If your current weight is above the estimate, that does not automatically mean poor health.
- If your weight is below the estimate, that does not automatically mean a problem.
- Trends over time matter more than a single data point.
- Energy, sleep quality, lab results, and physical function are important too.
IBW vs BMI: what is the difference?
IBW gives a single target estimate based mostly on height and sex. BMI (Body Mass Index) creates a weight range from your height and current weight. Both are screening tools. Neither one directly measures body fat or fitness.
A strong, muscular person can have a high BMI and excellent health. Someone with a “normal” BMI can still have metabolic risk. This is why healthcare decisions should include waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, lipid markers, activity level, and medical history.
Practical tips if you want to move toward your ideal range
- Use small weekly goals: Aim for steady progress, not extreme dieting.
- Prioritize protein and fiber: They improve fullness and help preserve lean mass.
- Strength train regularly: Muscle supports metabolism and long-term weight maintenance.
- Track habits, not just scale weight: Sleep, steps, workouts, and food consistency matter.
- Re-check every 4–8 weeks: Adjust your plan based on trends and how you feel.
Limitations and medical disclaimer
This calculator is for educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis tool. IBW formulas are population-based estimates and may be less accurate for adolescents, older adults, athletes, pregnant individuals, and people with certain medical conditions. If you need personal guidance, consult a physician or registered dietitian.
Frequently asked questions
Is ideal body weight the same as goal weight?
Not necessarily. Goal weight should reflect your lifestyle, body composition, health markers, and personal preferences. IBW is just one reference.
Can I use this calculator if I am very short or very tall?
Yes, but remember formula accuracy can decrease at extreme heights. Use the result as a rough estimate and combine it with professional advice if needed.
Which formula is best?
There is no universal “best” formula for everyone. That is why this page shows multiple results plus an average.