Ideal Weight Calculator
Calculate your ideal body weight using popular formulas including Robinson, Miller, Devine, and Hamwi. Compare results with healthy BMI ranges for comprehensive weight assessment.
Personal Details
Ages 2 - 80
Enter your height to calculate ideal weight ranges.
Understanding Healthy Weight
A healthy weight is more than just a number on a scale. It's a weight that allows you to feel energetic, reduces your risk of disease, and supports your overall well-being. Understanding the factors that influence healthy weight can help you make informed decisions about your health goals.
Beyond the Scale: What Really Matters
Body Composition
The ratio of muscle to fat is more important than total weight. Athletes often weigh more due to muscle mass but are very healthy.
Waist Circumference
Abdominal fat is a better predictor of health risks than BMI. Men >40in and women >35in have increased risk.
Energy and Vitality
How you feel matters more than what you weigh. Good energy levels and physical capability indicate health.
Disease Risk Factors
Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar are better health indicators than weight alone.
Factors That Influence Healthy Weight
- Genetics: Your genes influence body type, fat distribution, and metabolism - but don't determine your destiny
- Age: Metabolism slows with age, and healthy weight ranges may shift as you get older
- Activity Level: Regular exercise, especially strength training, helps maintain healthy weight and body composition
- Medical Conditions: Thyroid disorders, PCOS, and medications can affect weight and should be considered
- Lifestyle Factors: Sleep quality, stress levels, and eating patterns significantly impact weight management
A Balanced Approach to Weight
Focus on building healthy habits rather than achieving a specific number. Eat nutrient-dense foods, stay physically active, manage stress, and get adequate sleep. These behaviors naturally support a healthy weight range for your individual body.
Ideal Weight Formula Guide
Ideal weight formulas were developed to provide standardized estimates for medical and clinical purposes. Each formula has its own methodology and best-use scenarios. Understanding these differences helps interpret the results more accurately.
Popular Ideal Weight Formulas
Robinson Formula (1983)
Modern and widely used. Based on metropolitan life insurance data. Generally provides moderate estimates and works well for average builds.
Miller Formula (1983)
Slight modification of Robinson formula. Developed around the same time with similar methodology but slightly different coefficients.
Devine Formula (1974)
Originally created for drug dosing calculations. Often gives lower estimates and is still used in medical settings for medication calculations.
Hamwi Formula (1964)
One of the oldest formulas, developed for clinical nutrition. Simple calculation method and used in many healthcare settings.
Formula Limitations
- Height and Gender Only: Formulas only consider height and gender, ignoring body composition, frame size, and muscle mass
- Population Averages: Based on historical population data that may not represent current demographics or individual variation
- No Age Consideration: Don't account for age-related changes in body composition and healthy weight ranges
- Athletic Populations: May underestimate healthy weight for muscular individuals or athletes
- Ethnic Differences: Originally developed using primarily Caucasian populations, may not apply universally
BMI vs. Formula Approaches
BMI provides a weight range (18.5-25) that accommodates individual variation, while formulas give specific numbers. BMI ranges are often more practical for real-world application, while formulas are useful for clinical and research purposes.