What is an ideal weight?
There’s no single perfect weight for a height — muscle, frame size, age and health all matter. The most useful guide is the healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9, which the calculator converts into a weight range for your height. The classic formulas give a single reference number and are still used in medicine, for example for some drug doses.
Ideal body weight formulas
| Formula | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Robinson (1983) | 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 ft | 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch |
| Devine (1974) | 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch |
These formulas were designed for adults of average build and are less meaningful for very short or very tall people. They don’t account for muscle — athletes can be heavier and perfectly healthy.
Healthy weight by height
| Height | Healthy range (BMI 18.5–24.9) |
|---|---|
| 5′0″ (152 cm) | 95–127 lb (43–58 kg) |
| 5′4″ (163 cm) | 108–145 lb (49–66 kg) |
| 5′8″ (173 cm) | 122–164 lb (55–74 kg) |
| 6′0″ (183 cm) | 136–183 lb (62–83 kg) |
| 6′4″ (193 cm) | 152–204 lb (69–93 kg) |
Beyond the scale
Body composition and waist size tell you more than weight alone. Check your body fat percentage and BMI, and if you want to change your weight, start with the calorie calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal weight for a 5′6″ woman?
The healthy BMI range is about 115–154 lb; the Devine formula gives about 130 lb.
What is the ideal weight for a 6′ man?
The healthy BMI range is about 136–183 lb; the Devine formula gives about 170 lb.
Which ideal weight formula is best?
None is perfect. The healthy BMI range is the most widely used guide.
Does muscle affect ideal weight?
Yes. Muscular people can weigh more than formulas suggest and still be healthy.