The 5 Ideal Weight Formulas Explained
Each formula was developed for a specific medical purpose. No single formula is universally "best" — the average across all five gives the most balanced estimate.
Devine (1974): Men: 50 + 2.3 × (height_in − 60) kg · Women: 45.5 + 2.3 × (height_in − 60) kg
Robinson (1983): Men: 52 + 1.9 × (height_in − 60) kg · Women: 49 + 1.7 × (height_in − 60) kg
Miller (1983): Men: 56.2 + 1.41 × (height_in − 60) kg · Women: 53.1 + 1.36 × (height_in − 60) kg
Hamwi (1964): Men: 48 + 2.7 × (height_in − 60) kg · Women: 45.5 + 2.2 × (height_in − 60) kg
Healthy BMI Range: Weight = BMI × height_m² (for BMI 18.5-24.9)
The Devine formula is the most widely used in medicine, particularly for calculating drug dosages and ventilator settings. The Robinson and Miller formulas were developed as refinements using larger population samples. Hamwi is the oldest and gives higher estimates for tall individuals. The BMI range provides the broadest healthy spectrum and is used by the WHO and CDC for population health guidelines.
Ideal Weight Charts by Height
Reference ranges based on the average of all 5 formulas:
| Height | Men (lbs/kg) | Women (lbs/kg) |
|---|
| 5'0" (152cm) | 118-145 / 54-66 | 100-127 / 45-58 |
| 5'3" (160cm) | 130-158 / 59-72 | 108-138 / 49-63 |
| 5'6" (168cm) | 140-172 / 64-78 | 117-149 / 53-68 |
| 5'9" (175cm) | 149-186 / 68-84 | 126-160 / 57-73 |
| 6'0" (183cm) | 160-197 / 73-89 | 135-171 / 61-78 |
| 6'3" (191cm) | 172-213 / 78-97 | — |
These ranges span from the lowest formula estimate to the upper end of the healthy BMI range. Your ideal weight within this range depends on your body frame (small, medium, large), muscle mass, and overall body composition. An athlete with significant muscle mass may healthily weigh above the upper range.
Why "Ideal Weight" Is Not One Number
The concept of a single "ideal weight" is an oversimplification. Health is determined by body composition, metabolic markers, and lifestyle — not a number on a scale.
Two people at the same height and weight can have vastly different health profiles. A 5'10" male at 185 lbs might be a muscular athlete at 15% body fat or a sedentary person at 30% body fat. The scale can't distinguish between the two, but their cardiovascular risk, insulin sensitivity, and longevity outlook are dramatically different. Better health indicators than weight alone: waist circumference (under 40" men, 35" women), body fat percentage (use our Body Fat Calculator), waist-to-height ratio (under 0.5 is ideal), blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid panel. Use "ideal weight" as a general reference point, not a rigid target.
How to Reach Your Ideal Weight Safely
A safe rate of weight change is 1-2 lbs (0.5-1 kg) per week for weight loss, and 0.5-1 lb (0.25-0.5 kg) per week for muscle gain.
For weight loss: Calculate your TDEE (use our TDEE Calculator) and eat 500 calories below it daily for ~1 lb/week loss. Prioritize protein (0.7-1g per lb of bodyweight) to preserve muscle. Add resistance training 3×/week. Don't drop below 1,200 cal (women) or 1,500 cal (men) without medical supervision.
For weight gain: Eat 250-500 calories above your TDEE with emphasis on protein and resistance training. Healthy weight gain is primarily muscle, not fat — this requires progressive overload in training and adequate protein intake.
Timeline expectations: Losing 20 lbs safely takes approximately 10-20 weeks. Gaining 10 lbs of muscle takes 6-12 months for beginners, longer for experienced lifters. Crash diets that promise faster results typically result in muscle loss, metabolic adaptation, and weight regain within 1-2 years (Mann et al., American Psychologist, 2007).
Medical Disclaimer: Ideal body weight formulas provide estimates based on population averages and do not account for individual factors like muscle mass, bone density, body frame, or medical conditions. These formulas are not suitable for children, pregnant women, or competitive athletes. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized weight guidance. Sources: Devine (1974), Robinson et al. (1983), Miller et al. (1983), Hamwi (1964), WHO BMI guidelines.
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