Ideal Body Weight Calculator

What is Ideal Body Weight?

Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is an estimated weight range considered healthiest for a person based on their height and gender. Unlike BMI, which simply categorizes you into weight classes, IBW gives you a specific target weight to aim for. It helps set realistic goals whether you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy physique.

Our calculator shows the four most widely used published formulas - Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi - side by side, together with the WHO healthy weight range for your height, so you get a realistic window instead of a single number.

How the formulas work

Several scientific formulas have been developed over the decades to estimate ideal weight. The most commonly used are:

• Devine formula (1974): The most widely used in clinical settings. Originally developed for drug dosage calculations.
• Robinson formula (1983): A revision of Devine that tends to give slightly lower estimates.
• Miller formula (1983): Starts from a higher base but climbs more slowly with height, so it gives the highest estimates for shorter people.
• Hamwi formula (1964): The oldest of the four, created as a quick bedside estimate for clinicians.

All formulas use height as the primary input and adjust by gender. Results can vary by 5-15 lbs between methods - this is normal. They are population estimates that ignore muscle mass and frame size, so treat the range as a realistic target window rather than a single number.

What to do with your result

Once you know your ideal weight range, the next step is figuring out how to get there (or stay there). Check your BMI to see where you currently stand, then use our Daily Calorie Intake Calculator to find out how many calories you need each day. If you have weight to lose, the Weight Loss Calculator can show you a realistic timeline to reach your ideal weight.