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Ideal weight calculator
Ideal body weight formulas and the healthy BMI range for your height.
Quick answer
Devine and Robinson formulas estimate a healthy weight from height and sex alone. Formula: Devine: men 50 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet, women 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch. For a man 175 cm tall the Devine formula gives about 70.5 kg, inside the healthy BMI range of 56.7 to 76.3 kg.
Read the guide: How to calculate BMI and what the result means
Devine formula
70.5
- Robinson formula
- 68.9
- Healthy BMI range (18.5 to 24.9)
- 56.7 to 76.3 kg
Formulas were made for general guidance. Your frame, muscle and health matter more. A general estimate, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own health.
How is ideal weight calculated?
Several old formulas estimate an ideal weight from height. They agree roughly but not exactly.
The BMI-based range is the best guide: any weight inside it counts as normal for your height.
Treat all of these as a starting point and talk to a doctor if you are unsure.
What is the formula for ideal weight?
- Devine: men 50 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet, women 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch
- Robinson: men 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch, women 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch
- Healthy range: 18.5 × h² to 24.9 × h², h in metres
Can you show a worked example of ideal weight?
Man, 175 cm = 68.9 inches, which is 8.9 over 5 feet: Devine = 50 + 2.3 × 8.9 = 70.5 kg, Robinson = 52 + 1.9 × 8.9 = 68.9 kg.
What is the ideal weight for my height?
The Devine formula for men and women, and the healthy BMI range. A general guide, not medical advice.
| Height | Devine, men | Devine, women | Healthy BMI range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 cm | 50.0 kg | 45.5 kg | 41.6 to 56.0 kg |
| 155 cm | 52.4 kg | 47.9 kg | 44.4 to 59.8 kg |
| 160 cm | 56.9 kg | 52.4 kg | 47.4 to 63.7 kg |
| 165 cm | 61.4 kg | 56.9 kg | 50.4 to 67.8 kg |
| 170 cm | 65.9 kg | 61.4 kg | 53.5 to 72.0 kg |
| 175 cm | 70.5 kg | 66.0 kg | 56.7 to 76.3 kg |
| 180 cm | 75.0 kg | 70.5 kg | 59.9 to 80.7 kg |
| 185 cm | 79.5 kg | 75.0 kg | 63.3 to 85.2 kg |
| 190 cm | 84.0 kg | 79.5 kg | 66.8 to 89.9 kg |
Common questions
Which formula is most accurate?
None is exact. The healthy BMI range is a more useful target than a single number.
Does age change ideal weight?
These formulas ignore age. Older adults may be healthier at a slightly higher weight.
What if I am under 5 feet?
The formulas assume a height above 5 feet (152 cm), so use the BMI range instead.
Does muscle matter?
Yes. Muscle weighs more than fat, so a fit person can be heavier than the formula and still be healthy.