Reference weight
Ideal Weight Calculator
Compare 4 clinical formulas for a height-based reference weight range.
Compare 4 clinical formulas for a height-based reference weight range.
Ideal body weight (IBW) is a historical clinical term for the estimated weight at which a person of a given height might have lower risk of weight-related health problems. Despite the name, these are reference formulas, not personal ideals - they were developed for specific medical uses, not as universal physique targets.
These formulas were originally developed for clinical purposes - calculating drug dosages, determining ventilator settings, and assessing nutritional needs. They remain useful as rough reference points, but they do not account for muscle mass, body frame, training status, or individual genetics. A person who trains with weights regularly may weigh well above these formulas while being perfectly healthy.
For a more meaningful assessment, check your body fat percentage first. If you then want to adjust your weight, the TDEE Calculator can help estimate daily calorie needs.
Fitted to the 1959 Metropolitan Life height-weight tables.
Fitted to the 1983 Metropolitan Life height-weight tables; it gives the highest values for shorter people.
Published for drug dosing and not based on a measured data set; still the most cited.
The classic formula, still widely referenced today.
Body frame (bone structure) can shift expected weight. This is a rough heuristic, not a precise measurement - treat it as directional guidance:
To estimate your frame size: wrap your thumb and middle finger around your wrist. If they overlap easily, you likely have a smaller frame. If they barely touch or don't meet, you likely have a larger frame.
Robinson: 152 lb (69 kg)
Miller: 152 lb (69 kg)
Devine: 155 lb (70 kg)
Hamwi: 159 lb (72 kg)
Average: 154 lb (70 kg)
Robinson: 127 lb (57 kg)
Miller: 132 lb (60 kg)
Devine: 125 lb (57 kg)
Hamwi: 124 lb (56 kg)
Average: 127 lb (58 kg)
Robinson: 177 lb (80 kg)
Miller: 170 lb (77 kg)
Devine: 185 lb (84 kg)
Hamwi: 194 lb (88 kg)
Average: 181 lb (82 kg)
Each formula was built differently. Devine (1974) published his for drug dosing without a reference data set. Robinson (1983) and Miller (1983) fitted theirs to the 1959 and 1983 Metropolitan Life height-weight tables. Differences of 11-22 lb (5-10 kg) between formulas are normal, which is why we average them and show a range.
Ideal weight formulas don't account for muscle mass. Athletes and bodybuilders often weigh significantly more than their "ideal" weight while being very healthy. If you train with weights regularly, use body fat percentage as a better indicator of health.
Wrap your thumb and middle finger around your wrist at the narrowest point. If they overlap, you have a small frame. If they just touch, medium frame. If they don't touch, large frame.
No - "ideal weight" is a clinical reference term, not a personal prescription. These formulas give you a rough benchmark range, but body composition, energy levels, training performance, and health markers are far more meaningful indicators. Use this as context, not a target.