Ideal Weight Calculator — Healthy Weight Range by Height
Last reviewed: April 2026
The ideal weight calculator compares four widely-cited clinical formulas — Hamwi (1964), Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), and Miller (1983) — to give you a range of "ideal body weight" estimates for your height and sex. These formulas were originally developed in clinical and pharmaceutical settings to approximate lean body mass for medication dosing and were later adopted as general reference points. Because each formula was derived from different population samples and assumptions, they can differ by 5–15 lbs for the same person. No single number represents everyone's ideal weight — healthy weight is best understood as a range that also accounts for frame size, muscle mass, age, and individual health status. This tool displays all four estimates side by side, along with a healthy weight range based on a BMI of 18.5–24.9 for your height.
Calculate Your Ideal Weight Range
Ideal Weight by Formula
Healthy Weight Range (BMI 18.5 – 24.9)
| Formula | Year | Ideal Weight | ±10% Frame Range | Original Purpose |
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Why do the formulas differ? Each was developed from a different population sample with different goals. The Hamwi formula was created for clinical use at Metropolitan Life Insurance. Devine was designed for drug dosing in pharmacy — not intended as a fitness target. Robinson and Miller were later modifications of Devine derived from different reference populations. None were derived from comprehensive health outcome data.
What about frame size? Body frame (wrist circumference relative to height) can shift your ideal range by roughly ±10%. A person with a larger skeletal frame naturally carries more bone and connective tissue and may weigh more while still being at a healthy composition. Wrist circumference is a common proxy: for women, wrist < 5.5 in = small frame; 5.5–5.75 in = medium; >5.75 in = large. For men: < 6.5 in = small; 6.5–7.5 in = medium; > 7.5 in = large.
The bottom line: "Ideal weight" is a range, not a single number. Your best target weight depends on your body composition, health history, and personal goals. A registered dietitian or physician can help you set a personalized, realistic weight goal.
Want to track and improve your results? These tools can help:
- MyFitnessPal Premium — Track nutrition and fitness goals
- Noom — Personalized weight management program
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Sources & Methodology
Formulas used: Hamwi (1964) · Devine (1974) · Robinson (1983) · Miller (1983). Each formula starts from a base weight at 5 ft and adds a per-inch increment for heights above that, adjusted for sex. BMI-based range uses the WHO healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) applied to height.
Sources: Hamwi GJ (1964) Therapy: changing dietary concepts. Diabetes; Devine BJ (1974) Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intell Clin Pharm; Robinson JD et al. (1983); Miller DR et al. (1983). These formulas are population-level estimates — they do not account for body composition, muscle mass, or individual health factors.
Last reviewed: April 2026