Ideal Weight Calculator
The ideal weight calculation is an assessment method that helps determine a healthy body weight based on an individual’s height, age, and gender. It serves as a guiding reference for obesity, underweight conditions, and weight management.
What Is Ideal Weight?
Ideal weight refers to the body weight range calculated by considering a person’s height, age, gender, and body structure, which is accepted as a health reference.
Medically, ideal weight calculations are based on metabolic balance, medication dosing, and physical functions rather than aesthetic appearance.
This value is not an absolute indicator of health and does not directly reflect muscle-to-fat ratio. Therefore, ideal weight should not be considered a strict target but rather a guide to support healthy lifestyle habits.
What Is the Ideal Weight Calculation Formula?
Ideal weight formulas are mathematical methods used to estimate ideal body weight based on height, gender, and sometimes age.
These formulas were originally developed to calculate accurate medication dosages and aim to determine a reference body weight rather than physical appearance.
The most commonly used formulas are Hamwi, Devine, Robinson, and Miller. All of these formulas are based on a reference height of 152.4 cm, adding a specific weight increment for each additional centimeter above this height.
Since each formula uses different coefficients, results may vary. Therefore, ideal weight should be considered a reference range rather than a single fixed value and should be evaluated together with healthy BMI ranges.
Ideal Weight Formula Table
| Formula (Year) | Male | Female | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| G. J. Hamwi (1964) | 48.0 kg + 2.7 kg per 2.54 cm above 152.4 cm | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per 2.54 cm above 152.4 cm | Developed for calculating medical drug dosages. |
| B. J. Devine (1974) | 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per 2.54 cm above 152.4 cm | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per 2.54 cm above 152.4 cm | Similar to Hamwi; originally designed for medical dosing. |
| J. D. Robinson (1983) | 52.0 kg + 1.9 kg per 2.54 cm above 152.4 cm | 49.0 kg + 1.7 kg per 2.54 cm above 152.4 cm | Updated version of the Devine formula. |
| D. R. Miller (1983) | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per 2.54 cm above 152.4 cm | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per 2.54 cm above 152.4 cm | Variation of the Devine formula. |
What Is the Ideal Weight for Men?
For men, ideal weight generally corresponds to a BMI range of 18.5–24.9. Men between 170–180 cm typically fall within 65–80 kg depending on muscle mass and body composition.
Ideal Weight Formulas for Men
- Hamwi: 48.0 kg + 2.7 kg per 2.54 cm
- Devine: 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per 2.54 cm
- Robinson: 52.0 kg + 1.9 kg per 2.54 cm
- Miller: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per 2.54 cm
What Is the Ideal Weight for Women?
For women, ideal weight reflects healthy BMI ranges. Women between 160–170 cm generally have an ideal weight range of approximately 55–70 kg.
Ideal Weight Formulas for Women
- Hamwi: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per 2.54 cm
- Devine: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per 2.54 cm
- Robinson: 49.0 kg + 1.7 kg per 2.54 cm
- Miller: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per 2.54 cm
What Is the Ideal Weight for Children?
Ideal weight for children varies by age, gender, and height and is evaluated using percentile charts. The 5th–85th percentile range is generally considered healthy.
Ideal BMI Ranges by Age
| Age Group | Ideal BMI (kg/m²) |
|---|---|
| 19–24 years | 19–24 |
| 25–34 years | 20–25 |
| 35–44 years | 21–26 |
| 45–54 years | 22–27 |
| 55–64 years | 23–28 |
| 65+ years | 24–29 |
How to Maintain Ideal Weight
Maintaining ideal weight requires healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and consistent habits.
- Exercise regularly
- Consume enough protein
- Eat vegetables
- Limit refined carbohydrates
- Drink enough water
- Maintain breakfast habits
- Perform strength training
- Track meals
- Manage stress
- Sleep at least 7 hours
What Is the Underweight Threshold?
In adults, underweight is defined as having a BMI below 18.5. In children, values below the 5th percentile are considered underweight.
What Is Severe Underweight?
Severe underweight is defined as a BMI below 16 and should be medically evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Risks of Not Being at an Ideal Weight?
Health risks include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, joint problems, and weakened immunity.
How Is BMI Calculated?
BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m)
How Much Weight Can Be Safely Lost Per Month?
Approximately 4–6 kg per month is considered healthy weight loss.
