Ideal Weight Calculator
See your ideal body weight by seven published formulas, your healthy weight range for your height, and the adjusted body weight clinicians use for dosing. One calculator for ideal body weight, healthy body weight and adjusted body weight, built and checked by a pharmacist.
Written and fact-checked by Manzoor Ahmad, Pharm-DLast reviewed September 29, 2026
Fine-tune (optional)
Enter your sex, age and height to see your ideal weight. Add your current weight to unlock adjusted body weight and your personal timeline. Nothing is stored.
Your ideal body weight (Devine formula)
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Where you stand
The green band is your healthy weight range. Dots are the ideal weight formulas and the dark marker is you.
Percent of ideal weight
Add your weight to see this.
Body mass index
Add your weight to see this.
Adjusted body weight and dosing weight
Add your current weight to calculate adjusted body weight.
Your realistic timeline
Add your current weight to see a timeline.
What is ideal body weight?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is an estimate of the weight associated with good health for your height and sex. The most widely used version, the Devine formula, starts at 50 kg for men and 45.5 kg for women at 5 feet tall and adds 2.3 kg for every inch above that. A 5’8″ man has a Devine ideal weight of about 151 lb (68.4 kg), and a 5’4″ woman about 121 lb (54.7 kg).
No single number is right for everyone, which is why this ideal weight calculator shows seven formulas side by side, your healthy weight range from BMI, and the adjusted body weight used in hospitals and pharmacies. Think of ideal weight as a reference point and the healthy range as your real target.
How to use this calculator for ideal body weight
- Enter sex, age and height. Measure height barefoot against a wall. Every inch changes your ideal weight by roughly 4 to 6 lb, so an accurate height matters more than anything else here.
- Add your current weight. It is optional for ideal weight itself, but it unlocks your percent of ideal weight, BMI, adjusted body weight and a realistic timeline.
- Fine-tune if it applies to you. Choose your frame size, set a target BMI for the Peterson formula, switch to the WHO Asian BMI cut-offs if you have Asian heritage, or apply a limb loss adjustment after an amputation.
- Read the weight rail. The green band is your healthy weight range, each dot is a formula and the dark marker is you. When the dots cluster inside the band, you have a dependable target.
- Check the clinical panel if you are a patient, caregiver or health professional. It shows ideal, adjusted and typical dosing weight with the rule used to pick between them.
Ideal body weight formulas compared
Each formula below uses height in inches over 5 feet unless noted. They were created for different reasons, mostly drug dosing and insurance tables, which is why they disagree by several pounds at the same height.
Devine formula (1974)
Men and womenMen: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft | Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft
Devine was written to dose the antibiotic gentamicin, yet it became the default ideal body weight formula in medicine. Clinical guidelines, creatinine clearance calculations and ventilator settings still use it today, so it is the headline number in this calculator.
Robinson (1983) and Miller (1983)
RobinsonMen: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch | Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch
MillerMen: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch | Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch
Both were fitted to insurance height-weight tables as refinements of Devine. Miller rises more slowly with height, so it gives higher numbers for short people and lower numbers for tall people.
Hamwi formula (1964)
Men and womenMen: 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch | Women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch
The dietitian’s classic, usually quoted as 106 lb plus 6 lb per inch for men and 100 lb plus 5 lb per inch for women. Hamwi is the formula traditionally adjusted by 10 percent up or down for a large or small frame, and this calculator applies that adjustment only to Hamwi.
Peterson formula (2016)
Any sex, height in metersWeight (kg) = 2.2 × BMI + 3.5 × BMI × (height − 1.5)
Built from national survey data, Peterson corrects Devine’s tendency to underestimate weight for short people and overestimate it for tall people. It works at any target BMI, which is why the calculator lets you change it from the default of 22.
Broca and Lorentz
Height in cmBroca: height − 100 | Lorentz: (height − 100) − (height − 150) ÷ k, where k is 4 for men and 2 for women
These European rules of thumb are included for comparison. Broca in particular runs high for most adults and is best treated as an upper reference.
| Formula | Year | Original purpose | Tends to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devine | 1974 | Gentamicin dosing | Clinical standard, low for short women |
| Robinson | 1983 | Refinement of Devine | Slightly lower than Devine for men |
| Miller | 1983 | Refinement of Devine | Higher when short, lower when tall |
| Hamwi | 1964 | Dietetic practice | Highest of the classics for tall men |
| Peterson | 2016 | Universal BMI-based weight | Most balanced across heights |
| Broca | 1871 | Rule of thumb | Runs high |
| Lorentz | 1929 | Rule of thumb | Close to Peterson for many adults |
Swipe the table sideways on a phone. All classic formulas were designed for adults at least 5 feet (152 cm) tall. Below that height, results are extrapolated and less reliable.
Healthy body weight calculator: your range by height
A healthy body weight calculator turns the healthy BMI range back into pounds or kilograms for your height. For most adults, the World Health Organization defines a healthy BMI as 18.5 to 24.9. For people of Asian heritage, WHO experts proposed a lower upper limit of 22.9, because type 2 diabetes and heart disease risk climb at lower BMIs in these populations. That matters to anyone searching from Pakistan, India, China or the wider Asian diaspora.
Ideal weight chart by height for men and women
| Height | Men (Devine IBW) | Women (Devine IBW) | Healthy range (WHO) | Healthy range (Asian cut-off) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5’0″ (152 cm) | 110 lb (50.0 kg) | 100 lb (45.5 kg) | 95 to 127 lb | 95 to 117 lb |
| 5’1″ (155 cm) | 115 lb (52.3 kg) | 105 lb (47.8 kg) | 98 to 132 lb | 98 to 121 lb |
| 5’2″ (157 cm) | 120 lb (54.6 kg) | 110 lb (50.1 kg) | 101 to 136 lb | 101 to 125 lb |
| 5’3″ (160 cm) | 125 lb (56.9 kg) | 116 lb (52.4 kg) | 104 to 141 lb | 104 to 129 lb |
| 5’4″ (163 cm) | 131 lb (59.2 kg) | 121 lb (54.7 kg) | 108 to 145 lb | 108 to 133 lb |
| 5’5″ (165 cm) | 136 lb (61.5 kg) | 126 lb (57.0 kg) | 111 to 150 lb | 111 to 138 lb |
| 5’6″ (168 cm) | 141 lb (63.8 kg) | 131 lb (59.3 kg) | 115 to 154 lb | 115 to 142 lb |
| 5’7″ (170 cm) | 146 lb (66.1 kg) | 136 lb (61.6 kg) | 118 to 159 lb | 118 to 146 lb |
| 5’8″ (173 cm) | 151 lb (68.4 kg) | 141 lb (63.9 kg) | 122 to 164 lb | 122 to 151 lb |
| 5’9″ (175 cm) | 156 lb (70.7 kg) | 146 lb (66.2 kg) | 125 to 169 lb | 125 to 155 lb |
| 5’10” (178 cm) | 161 lb (73.0 kg) | 151 lb (68.5 kg) | 129 to 174 lb | 129 to 160 lb |
| 5’11” (180 cm) | 166 lb (75.3 kg) | 156 lb (70.8 kg) | 133 to 179 lb | 133 to 164 lb |
| 6’0″ (183 cm) | 171 lb (77.6 kg) | 161 lb (73.1 kg) | 136 to 184 lb | 136 to 169 lb |
| 6’1″ (185 cm) | 176 lb (79.9 kg) | 166 lb (75.4 kg) | 140 to 189 lb | 140 to 174 lb |
| 6’2″ (188 cm) | 181 lb (82.2 kg) | 171 lb (77.7 kg) | 144 to 194 lb | 144 to 178 lb |
| 6’3″ (190 cm) | 186 lb (84.5 kg) | 176 lb (80.0 kg) | 148 to 199 lb | 148 to 183 lb |
| 6’4″ (193 cm) | 191 lb (86.8 kg) | 181 lb (82.3 kg) | 152 to 205 lb | 152 to 188 lb |
| 6’5″ (196 cm) | 196 lb (89.1 kg) | 187 lb (84.6 kg) | 156 to 210 lb | 156 to 193 lb |
| 6’6″ (198 cm) | 202 lb (91.4 kg) | 192 lb (86.9 kg) | 160 to 215 lb | 160 to 198 lb |
Healthy ranges apply to both sexes. Ideal body weight values use the Devine formula. Swipe sideways on a phone.
Notice that the Devine ideal weight for short women can sit close to the bottom of the healthy range, while for tall men it sits comfortably in the middle. That is a known quirk of Devine and the main reason the Peterson formula was developed. If your ideal weight looks unrealistically low, the healthy range is the fairer guide.
Adjusted body weight calculator: formula and when to use it
All weights in the same unitAdjusted body weight = IBW + 0.4 × (actual weight − IBW)
Adjusted body weight (AdjBW) sits between ideal and actual weight. It exists because fat tissue carries some lean tissue and blood flow with it, so a person with obesity handles many drugs differently from both their ideal and their total weight. Adding 40 percent of the excess weight back to ideal weight is the most widely used compromise.
In pharmacy practice the choice of weight usually follows a simple rule, which the calculator’s clinical panel applies automatically:
| Your situation | Weight commonly used | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Actual weight below ideal weight | Actual body weight | Using IBW would overestimate the body the drug has to fill |
| Actual weight up to 120% of ideal | Ideal body weight | Close enough that IBW represents lean tissue well |
| Actual weight above 120% of ideal | Adjusted body weight | Accounts for extra tissue without overdosing on fat mass |
Thresholds vary between institutions (some use 125% or 130%) and between drugs. Always follow the specific drug’s labeling and your hospital protocol.
You will see adjusted body weight in aminoglycoside antibiotic dosing, in some nutrition calculations for hospitalized patients, and when estimating kidney function with the Cockcroft-Gault equation. If that is why you are here, the creatinine clearance calculator uses these same weights.
Ideal weight after an amputation
After losing part of a limb, ideal body weight should be reduced by the share of body weight that limb segment normally carries. Without this step, a target weight would push someone toward excess weight on the remaining body. The calculator uses these widely cited percentages, applied to every formula and to the healthy range:
| Body part lost | Reduce ideal weight by |
|---|---|
| Hand | 0.7% |
| Forearm and hand | 2.3% |
| Entire arm | 5.0% |
| Foot | 1.5% |
| Lower leg and foot | 5.9% |
| Entire leg | 16.0% |
For losses on both sides, add the percentages together and discuss the result with your dietitian.
A pharmacist’s perspective on ideal weight
In the pharmacy, ideal body weight is a working number, not a judgment. I use it every week to check doses, estimate kidney function and flag when a standard adult dose might be too much or too little. That practical view is useful for anyone chasing an ideal weight for themselves.
You do not need to reach the formula number to be healthier
For people living with overweight or obesity, losing 5 to 10 percent of body weight is consistently linked with better blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. That is a far more reachable first goal than the Devine number, and it is the goal I encourage people to celebrate.
Muscle changes the picture
Ideal weight formulas know nothing about body composition. A muscular person can sit well above every formula and still carry little fat. If that sounds like you, check your lean body mass and body fat percentage before deciding you need to lose weight.
Medicines, supplements and the scale
Prescription weight-loss medicines such as semaglutide and tirzepatide can bring people into their healthy range, but they should be started and monitored by a prescriber, paired with resistance training and adequate protein to protect muscle. Be wary of fat-burner supplements promising quick results: many rely on stimulants, and labels do not always match what is in the bottle. Some everyday medicines, including corticosteroids, certain antidepressants and some diabetes drugs, can make weight harder to lose. Never stop them on your own; ask whether an alternative exists.
When ideal weight is the wrong target
During pregnancy, while recovering from illness, in the teenage years, and for many adults over 65, aiming for the lowest end of any range can do more harm than good. Unintentional weight loss in older adults is a warning sign worth reporting to a doctor.
Ideal weight vs BMI vs body composition
Ideal body weightA single reference weight for your height and sex. Best for clinical dosing and quick orientation.
Healthy weight rangeThe span of weights that give a BMI in the healthy band. Best as a personal target. Check your full BMI category with the BMI calculator.
Body compositionHow much of your weight is lean tissue and how much is fat. Best for athletes and anyone whose weight looks high but whose fitness says otherwise.
Waist measurementsFat around the middle predicts health risk better than weight alone. The Army body fat calculator includes a waist-to-height ratio check you can use for this.
Ideal weight calculator FAQ
Using the Devine formula, men start at 50 kg (110 lb) at 5 feet and add 2.3 kg (about 5 lb) per inch, and women start at 45.5 kg (100 lb) and add the same 2.3 kg per inch. For example, a 5'10" man has an ideal body weight of about 161 lb and a 5'5" woman about 126 lb. Your healthy weight range, from a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, is wider and is the better personal target.
Ideal body weight is calculated from height and sex with formulas such as Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi and Peterson. Most add a fixed amount of weight for each inch of height above 5 feet. Devine is the most widely used in medicine.
A healthy body weight calculator converts the healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 into a weight range for your height. For people of Asian heritage, a lower upper limit of 22.9 is often used because health risks rise at lower BMIs.
Adjusted body weight is ideal body weight plus 40 percent of the difference between actual and ideal weight: AdjBW = IBW + 0.4 × (actual weight − IBW). It is mainly used to dose certain medicines and estimate nutrition needs in people whose actual weight is well above ideal.
Adjusted body weight is commonly used when actual weight is more than about 120 percent of ideal body weight, although some institutions use 125 or 130 percent. If actual weight is below ideal, actual weight is usually used. Drug labeling and local protocols always take priority.
No formula is accurate for everyone. Devine is the clinical standard for drug dosing, while the 2016 Peterson formula is more balanced across short and tall heights because it is based on national survey data. The healthy BMI range is the most practical personal goal.
Yes. At the same height, most formulas give women a lower ideal weight than men, typically about 4.5 kg (10 lb) less with the Devine formula. The healthy BMI range is the same for both sexes.
Frame size is traditionally applied to the Hamwi formula by subtracting 10 percent for a small frame and adding 10 percent for a large frame. If you are unsure of your frame size, use medium.
Reduce ideal body weight by the share of body weight the missing limb normally carries: 0.7 percent for a hand, 2.3 percent for a forearm and hand, 5.0 percent for an entire arm, 1.5 percent for a foot, 5.9 percent for a lower leg and foot, and 16 percent for an entire leg.
Yes. Ideal weight formulas do not account for muscle. Many active people weigh more than their formula result while carrying little body fat. Waist size, body fat percentage, blood pressure, blood sugar and fitness give a fuller picture of health.
At a sustainable rate of 0.5 to 1 lb (about 0.23 to 0.45 kg) per week, 20 lb takes roughly 20 to 40 weeks. A first goal of losing 5 percent of body weight already improves health markers for most people.
No. Ideal body weight formulas and adult BMI ranges are designed for adults 18 and over. Children and teenagers are assessed with BMI-for-age percentile charts, ideally with a pediatrician.
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About the author
Manzoor Ahmad, Pharm-D
Pharmacist, health content writer and founder of DexoCalc
Manzoor is a Doctor of Pharmacy with more than nine years of experience writing about supplements, weight management and medication safety. He runs a community pharmacy where ideal and adjusted body weight are part of everyday dose checks. He built this calculator from the original published equations and checks every formula against worked examples before release.
Sources and references
- Devine BJ. Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy. 1974;8:650-655.
- Robinson JD, Lupkiewicz SM, Palenik L, et al. Determination of ideal body weight for drug dosage calculations. American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy. 1983;40(6):1016-1019.
- Miller DR, Carlson JD, Loyd BJ, Day BJ. Determining ideal body weight (and mass). American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy. 1983;40(10):1622-1625.
- Hamwi GJ. Therapy: changing dietary concepts. In: Diabetes Mellitus: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Diabetes Association; 1964:73-78.
- Peterson CM, Thomas DM, Blackburn GL, Heymsfield SB. Universal equation for estimating ideal body weight and body weight at any BMI. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2016;103(5):1197-1203.
- WHO Expert Consultation. Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies. The Lancet. 2004;363(9403):157-163.
- Osterkamp LK. Current perspective on assessment of human body proportions of relevance to amputees. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 1995;95(2):215-218.
- Pai MP, Paloucek FP. The origin of the “ideal” body weight equations. Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2000;34(9):1066-1069.
This ideal weight calculator is for education and general wellness. Ideal, healthy and adjusted body weights are population-based estimates. It is not a diagnosis and not a substitute for advice from your doctor, pharmacist or dietitian, especially if you are pregnant, under 18, recovering from illness, or using these weights to dose medicines, where the drug’s own labeling and your institution’s protocol always come first.