Written by FreeToolCalc Team
Formulas based on standard financial/medical equations. Last updated: March 2026.
What Is Ideal Body Weight and How Is It Calculated?
"Ideal body weight" is a clinical concept developed to provide a reference point for healthy weight relative to height. Unlike BMI — which gives you a category — ideal weight formulas give a target weight value (or range). They were originally developed for medical dosing calculations and have since been widely adopted as general reference tools.
There are four main formulas in clinical use today, each developed at different times with slightly different methods. Our calculator shows you all four so you can understand the range rather than fixating on a single number.
The Four Clinical Ideal Weight Formulas
Ideal Weight by Height (Men) — All Four Formulas
| Height | Hamwi | Devine | Robinson | Miller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5'4" | 130 lbs | 130 lbs | 137 lbs | 143 lbs |
| 5'6" | 142 lbs | 140 lbs | 145 lbs | 146 lbs |
| 5'8" | 154 lbs | 151 lbs | 154 lbs | 152 lbs |
| 5'10" | 166 lbs | 161 lbs | 162 lbs | 158 lbs |
| 6'0" | 178 lbs | 172 lbs | 171 lbs | 165 lbs |
| 6'2" | 190 lbs | 182 lbs | 180 lbs | 171 lbs |
Ideal Weight by Height (Women) — All Four Formulas
| Height | Hamwi | Devine | Robinson | Miller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" | 100 lbs | 100 lbs | 108 lbs | 117 lbs |
| 5'2" | 110 lbs | 111 lbs | 115 lbs | 120 lbs |
| 5'4" | 120 lbs | 122 lbs | 122 lbs | 123 lbs |
| 5'6" | 130 lbs | 132 lbs | 129 lbs | 127 lbs |
| 5'8" | 140 lbs | 143 lbs | 136 lbs | 131 lbs |
| 5'10" | 150 lbs | 154 lbs | 143 lbs | 135 lbs |
Frame Size: Adjusting Your Ideal Weight
Most ideal weight formulas assume medium frame size. Adjust by ±10% for small or large frames. To determine your frame size, measure your wrist circumference:
- Women 5'2"–5'5": Small <5.5", Medium 5.5–5.75", Large >5.75"
- Women over 5'5": Small <6", Medium 6–6.25", Large >6.25"
- Men over 5'5": Small <6.5", Medium 6.5–7.5", Large >7.5"
Why Ideal Weight Is Just One Metric
Weight alone is a poor predictor of health outcomes. Consider these complementary metrics:
- Body fat percentage: More meaningful than weight for assessing body composition (healthy ranges: men 10–20%, women 20–30%)
- Waist-to-height ratio: Keep your waist circumference below half your height — a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than BMI
- Metabolic markers: Blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels are direct health indicators regardless of weight
- Fitness level: Cardiorespiratory fitness is a stronger predictor of mortality than BMI, regardless of weight category
The healthiest approach is to use ideal weight as a general reference while focusing on sustainable lifestyle habits: regular physical activity, a nutrient-dense diet, adequate sleep, and stress management.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
Ideal weight formulas provide reference ranges for adults with average body composition. They are not diagnostic tools and should not be used as weight loss targets without consulting a licensed healthcare provider or registered dietitian. These formulas are not validated for use in children, pregnant individuals, or professional athletes.