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Ideal Weight Calculator

Use this ideal weight calculator to compare four published adult reference formulas by height and formula reference, with a separate BMI screening range for context.

Method and assumptions documentedPlanning estimateSource note includedNo expert review claimed

Live calculator

Ideal weight references

Formula reference range155 - 166 lb

Spread across four historical equations; it is context, not one personal target.

BMI-based weight range129 - 174 lb

Separate adult BMI 18.5 to 24.9 screening range for this height.

Current BMI25.8

Calculated from 70 in / 177.8 cm and current weight.

How to read the formula range

Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi are historical adult equations that use the selected male reference coefficients and height. They do not measure body fat, muscle mass, pregnancy, health status, or an individual target weight.

Historical formula comparison

Published male reference equations shown side by side.

FormulaReference estimatePublished equation
Devine (1974)161 lb50 kg + 2.3 kg x (inches - 60)
Robinson (1983)157 lb52 kg + 1.9 kg x (inches - 60)
Miller (1983)155 lb56.2 kg + 1.41 kg x (inches - 60)
Hamwi (1964)166 lb106 lb + 6 lb x (inches - 60)

Use this as a planning estimate, not medical advice. Medical conditions, medication, pregnancy, eating disorder history, or disease-specific nutrition needs should be handled with a qualified professional.

Quick answer

Ideal Weight Calculator: what it calculates

Ideal Weight Calculator calculates formula reference range from height, formula reference, current weight (optional), and unit system. The visible formula is Devine, Robinson, and Miller: base kg + kg per inch x (height in inches - 60); Hamwi: base lb + lb per inch x (height in inches - 60).

ResultFormula reference range
InputsHeight, Formula reference, Current weight (optional), Unit system
FormulaIdeal weight reference formulas

Formula

Ideal weight reference formulas

Devine, Robinson, and Miller: base kg + kg per inch x (height in inches - 60); Hamwi: base lb + lb per inch x (height in inches - 60)

The calculator shows four published adult equations side by side and separately derives a BMI 18.5 to 24.9 range. Neither is an individualized target or diagnosis.

How to use

Steps

  1. Choose pounds with feet/inches or kilograms with centimeters.
  2. Choose the historical female or male formula reference used by the published equations.
  3. Enter height.
  4. Optionally enter current weight for a BMI comparison.
  5. Compare Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi estimates with the separate BMI-based range.
  6. Use a named equation only when a trusted protocol specifies it; otherwise treat the spread as context, not a target.

Example

Sample calculation

ProfileMale reference, 5 ft 10 in / 177.8 cm
Formula estimates155 - 166 lb / 70.3 - 75.3 kg
BMI-based range129 - 174 lb / 58.5 - 78.7 kg

Calculator use

Best for

  • Use this ideal weight calculator to compare four published adult reference formulas by height and formula reference, with a separate BMI screening range for context.
  • Estimating body, hydration, protein, calorie, macro, or fitness planning numbers with assumptions visible.
  • Comparing rough scenarios before tracking trends or discussing the result with a qualified professional.
  • Keeping formula inputs visible so the number can be checked later instead of treated as a diagnosis.

Before relying on it

Check first

  • Treating a screening or planning estimate as medical, nutrition, eating-disorder, pregnancy, or disease-specific advice.
  • Ignoring age, sex, medication, body composition, training status, medical history, heat, illness, or measurement method.
  • Changing diet, hydration, or training aggressively from one calculator result without appropriate context.

Details

What to know before using the result

Adult scopeAdults 20 and older

Children and teens use age- and sex-specific growth references, not these adult formula or BMI comparisons.

Formula spreadFour historical equations

Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi were developed in different eras and produce different values at the same height.

Reference coefficientsHistorical female or male inputs

The equations use sex-specific coefficients from their source material. They do not define identity, body composition, or a personal health target.

Benchmarks

How to read the result

Formula spread: Compare, do not average.

The visible spread is more honest than treating the mean of four historical equations as a personal goal.

18.5 - 24.9 BMI: Separate adult screening range.

BMI provides a different height-and-weight context and does not validate one formula as correct.

Clinical protocol: Use the named equation.

For medication, nutrition, ventilation, or other clinical work, follow the protocol and qualified clinician rather than this general reference tool.

Calculator accuracy

Methodology and assumptions

Formula

Devine, Robinson, and Miller: base kg + kg per inch x (height in inches - 60); Hamwi: base lb + lb per inch x (height in inches - 60)

Inputs used

Height, Formula reference, Current weight (optional), Unit system

Limitations

Health results are screening or planning estimates. Age, body composition, medication, medical history, pregnancy, and professional guidance can change the right interpretation.

Review record

Method and sources checked on July 28, 2026. The documented method, source timing, validity conditions, and reliance limits were checked on this date.

Method provenanceEstimate · toolkitshelf.ideal-weight-reference-comparison.v2
Maintained by
Toolkit Shelf
Calculation class
Estimate
Method version
toolkitshelf.ideal-weight-reference-comparison.v2
Source date
2016
Source checked
July 28, 2026
Intended audience
Adults comparing historical height-based ideal body weight equations with a separate BMI screening range; current weight is optional context only.
Valid when
Use for adults with an accurate height and a selected historical female or male formula reference. Children and teens, pregnancy, major muscle or fluid changes, medical conditions, medication dosing, nutrition prescriptions, and treatment decisions need an appropriate protocol and qualified clinical guidance.
Reliance boundary
The displayed formula spread and BMI range are educational references, not a personal target, diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for clinical judgment.
Data freshness
Published Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi equations plus BMI-range limitations were checked on July 28, 2026. Toolkit Shelf applies the stated formula coefficients after converting height to inches.
Cite this page

Toolkit Shelf. Ideal Weight Calculator. https://toolkitshelf.com/tools/ideal-weight-calculator

FAQ

Common questions

How is ideal weight calculated?

This calculator converts the entered height to inches and applies Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi adult reference equations. It also shows a separate BMI 18.5 to 24.9 range for the same height.

Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?

There is no universally best formula for a person. The equations were developed from different historical datasets and purposes, so this tool shows the spread rather than calling one result the answer.

Why does the calculator ask for a formula reference?

The published equations use different female and male coefficients. That selection only chooses the historical equation variant; it is not a statement about identity or a personalized health recommendation.

How is this different from a BMI calculator?

BMI divides current weight by height squared and places the result in a broad adult screening category. Ideal body weight equations estimate one height-based reference value per formula, so the two methods can disagree.

Can I use this for a medical dose or treatment decision?

No. Some protocols name a specific weight equation, but medication, nutrition, ventilation, pregnancy, and treatment decisions need the applicable protocol and qualified clinical judgment.

Does this work for children or teens?

No. This page is for adults. Children and teens need age- and sex-specific growth references and clinical interpretation.