Ideal Weight Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your ideal body weight based on common formulas like the Devine formula, and to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).
Results:
Ideal Body Weight (Devine Formula):
Your Body Mass Index (BMI):
BMI Category:
Understanding Ideal Body Weight and BMI
Determining an "ideal" body weight is a complex topic, as what's healthy for one person might not be for another. However, various formulas and indices are used by health professionals to provide a general guideline. This calculator uses the Devine formula for Ideal Body Weight (IBW) and the standard Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation.
What is Ideal Body Weight (IBW)?
The concept of Ideal Body Weight (IBW) was initially introduced to estimate drug dosages, but it has since become a common metric in health and fitness. Several formulas exist, with the Devine formula being one of the most widely used. It provides a single target weight based primarily on height and gender.
- Devine Formula for Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
- Devine Formula for Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
It's important to note that these formulas are generalizations and do not account for factors like muscle mass, bone density, or body composition, which can significantly impact a healthy weight range.
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is:
BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]2
BMI is a screening tool that categorizes individuals into weight status categories:
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI 18.5 – 24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25.0 – 29.9
- Obesity: BMI 30.0 or greater
While BMI is a useful indicator for population health studies and can be a quick assessment tool, it also has limitations. For example, very muscular individuals might have a high BMI but low body fat, while elderly individuals might have a normal BMI but higher body fat due to muscle loss.
Limitations and Considerations
Both IBW formulas and BMI are tools, not definitive diagnoses. They don't differentiate between fat and muscle, which is crucial for a complete health assessment. For a more accurate understanding of your body composition and health, consult with a healthcare professional who can consider your individual circumstances, lifestyle, and medical history.
Example Calculation:
Let's consider a male who is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs 70 kg (154.3 lbs).
1. Ideal Body Weight (Devine Formula):
- Height over 5 feet: 9 inches
- IBW = 50 kg + (2.3 kg * 9) = 50 kg + 20.7 kg = 70.7 kg
- In pounds: 70.7 kg * 2.20462 = 155.87 lbs
2. Body Mass Index (BMI):
- Height in meters: 175 cm = 1.75 m
- BMI = 70 kg / (1.75 m * 1.75 m) = 70 / 3.0625 = 22.86
Based on these calculations, his ideal body weight is around 70.7 kg (155.9 lbs), and his BMI of 22.86 falls within the "Normal weight" category.