Find the Right Weight to Stay Healthy
Ideal Body Weight Calculator – Find Your Healthy Weight
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is the weight that’s considered healthiest for a human body. It’s not just about how much you weigh on a scale, but IBW also considers factors such as your height, age, gender, and body frame to estimate a range where your body can stay fit and active. Knowing your IBW helps you understand if your current weight is in a healthy zone or if you need to make changes. Staying within this range can lower your chances of health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Common formulas for IBW include the Devine, Hamwi, Robinson, and others, which typically use height as the primary variable. Our Ideal Body Weight Calculator helps you quickly determine your ideal weight based on your height, making it easier to understand whether you fall within a healthy weight range and what steps you can take to reach or maintain it.
Important to remember: IBW provides a healthy weight range, not a single "perfect" number. Everyone's body is different — genetics, muscle mass, bone density, and overall health all influence what's truly ideal for you. IBW is a general guideline and may not account for muscle mass or other individual factors.
How to Use the Ideal Weight Calculator
- Select your gender (male or female) to adjust for typical body composition.
- Enter your height — measure barefoot, standing straight against a wall; input height in feet/inches.
- Enter your age in years.
- Click Calculate to see your Ideal Body Weight (IBW).
- Compare results with BMI or waist-to-height ratio for a complete health check.
6 IBW Formulas Compared
| Formula | For Men | For Women | Best For | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peterson Universal (2016) | Wt = 5 × BMI + (BMI ÷ 5) × (Ht - 60") | Same | Any BMI goal | 0.5% error |
| Devine (1974) | 50 + 2.3(Ht - 60") | 45.5 + 2.3(Ht - 60") | Medical dosing | 2.1–3.1% error |
| Robinson (1983) | 52 + 1.9(Ht - 60") | 49 + 1.7(Ht - 60") | Clinical use | 0.4–0.7% error |
| Hamwi (1964) | 106 + 6(Ht - 60") | 100 + 5(Ht - 60") | Quick estimates | 2.6–3.9% error |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 + 1.41(Ht - 60") | 53.1 + 1.36(Ht - 60") | Updated tables | 3.2–3.3% error |
| Broca (1871) | Height (cm) - 100 | Height (cm) - 100 | Historical reference | 2.7% error |
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What is an ideal body weight calculator?
An ideal body weight (IBW) calculator estimates the healthy weight range for a person based on height, gender, and sometimes age. It helps assess whether someone is underweight, normal, or overweight. While useful for general guidance, it doesn’t account for muscle mass, bone density, or individual health conditions.
Does an IBW calculator require age and gender?
Yes, many IBW calculators use gender and sometimes age to provide more accurate estimates, as body composition and healthy weight ranges can differ between males and females and change with age. However, the core calculation often relies primarily on height, with age and gender refining the results.
Which formula is used in an ideal body weight calculator?
Ideal body weight (IBW) calculators commonly use formulas like the Devine, Robinson, or Miller methods. These formulas estimate healthy weight based on height and gender. For example, the Devine formula adds a fixed weight for each inch above 5 feet, offering a general guideline rather than an exact measurement.
What is the Devine formula for IBW?
The Devine formula estimates ideal body weight based on height and gender. For men: IBW = 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft. For women: IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft. It provides a general healthy weight guideline but doesn’t account for muscle or bone differences.
What is the Robinson formula for IBW?
The Robinson formula estimates ideal body weight using height and gender.
- For men: IBW = 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 ft.
- For women: IBW = 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 ft.
It offers a guideline for healthy weight, but individual factors like muscle and body frame aren’t considered.
What is the Miller formula for IBW?
The Robinson formula estimates ideal body weight using height and gender.
- For men: IBW = 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 ft.
- For women: IBW = 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 ft.
It offers a guideline for healthy weight, but individual factors like muscle and body frame aren’t considered.
Does IBW calculation vary for men and women?
Yes, IBW calculations vary for men and women because body composition, muscle mass, and fat distribution differ by gender. Most formulas use different base weights and height increments for males and females, providing gender-specific healthy weight ranges rather than a one-size-fits-all number.
How does an ideal body weight calculator work?
An ideal body weight calculator works by applying formulas, such as the Devine or Robinson method, using height and gender to estimate a healthy weight range. Some calculators also consider age and body frame. It provides a general guideline for weight management but doesn’t account for muscle or bone variations.
Why should I use an IBW calculator?
Using an IBW calculator helps you understand a healthy weight range for your height and gender. It guides weight management, fitness goals, and nutrition planning. While not a substitute for medical advice, it provides a useful reference to track progress and maintain overall health safely.
What information is required for an ideal body weight calculator?
An ideal body weight (IBW) calculator typically requires your height and gender. Some calculators may also ask for age or body frame size for more personalised results. This information helps estimate a healthy weight range, offering guidance for fitness, nutrition, and overall weight management.
Do different formulas give different IBW results?
Yes, different formulas like Devine, Robinson, and Miller yield slightly different ideal body weight (IBW) results because they use varying base weights and increments per inch. These differences provide a range rather than a precise number, so IBW should be used as a guideline alongside individual health considerations.
Can IBW calculators be used during pregnancy?
No, IBW calculators aren’t recommended during pregnancy, as they don’t account for the natural weight gain from the baby, placenta, or fluids. Using them can give misleading results. Pregnant women should rely on medical guidance and personalised advice from doctors or prenatal specialists for safe and healthy weight management.