Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Estimate your ideal body weight using several common formulas.
feet
inches
Your Estimated Ideal Body Weight:
Please note: These are estimates. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Understanding Ideal Body Weight (IBW)
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is a concept used to estimate a healthy weight range for an individual based on their height and gender. It's not a perfect measure of health, but it provides a useful benchmark for healthcare professionals and individuals alike. Maintaining a weight within a healthy range can reduce the risk of various health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Why Different Formulas?
There isn't one universally accepted formula for IBW. Different researchers developed various formulas over time, each with slightly different methodologies and populations studied. The most common ones include:
- Devine Formula (1974): One of the oldest and most widely used formulas, often employed for drug dosage calculations.
- Robinson Formula (1983): A modification of the Devine formula, aiming for slightly different estimations.
- Miller Formula (1983): Another modification, often yielding slightly higher IBW values than Devine or Robinson.
- Hamwi Formula (1964): Originally developed for quick estimations in clinical settings.
These formulas typically use a base weight for a height of 5 feet and then add a certain amount of weight for each additional inch of height. They are generally designed for adults.
How to Use the Calculator
Simply enter your height in feet and inches, select your gender, and click "Calculate IBW". The calculator will then display your estimated ideal body weight according to the Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas, both in kilograms and pounds. It also provides an average of these four estimates for a broader perspective.
Important Considerations
While IBW calculators are helpful, they have limitations:
- Muscle Mass: These formulas don't account for body composition. A very muscular person might weigh more than their "ideal" weight but still be very healthy.
- Age and Ethnicity: The formulas were developed based on specific populations and may not be perfectly accurate for all age groups or ethnic backgrounds.
- Individual Variation: What's "ideal" can vary significantly from person to person. Factors like bone density, body frame size, and overall health status play a role.
- Not a Diagnostic Tool: IBW should not be used as a sole diagnostic tool for health. Always consult with a doctor or registered dietitian for personalized health and weight management advice.
Example Calculation
Let's consider a Male, 5 feet 10 inches tall:
- Total Height: 5 feet * 12 inches/foot + 10 inches = 70 inches
- Inches over 5 feet: 70 – 60 = 10 inches
- Devine Formula: 50 kg + (2.3 kg * 10) = 50 + 23 = 73 kg (approx. 160.9 lbs)
- Robinson Formula: 52 kg + (1.9 kg * 10) = 52 + 19 = 71 kg (approx. 156.5 lbs)
- Miller Formula: 56.2 kg + (1.41 kg * 10) = 56.2 + 14.1 = 70.3 kg (approx. 155.0 lbs)
- Hamwi Formula: 48 kg + (2.7 kg * 10) = 48 + 27 = 75 kg (approx. 165.3 lbs)
For a Female, 5 feet 4 inches tall:
- Total Height: 5 feet * 12 inches/foot + 4 inches = 64 inches
- Inches over 5 feet: 64 – 60 = 4 inches
- Devine Formula: 45.5 kg + (2.3 kg * 4) = 45.5 + 9.2 = 54.7 kg (approx. 120.6 lbs)
- Robinson Formula: 49 kg + (1.7 kg * 4) = 49 + 6.8 = 55.8 kg (approx. 123.0 lbs)
- Miller Formula: 53.1 kg + (1.36 kg * 4) = 53.1 + 5.44 = 58.54 kg (approx. 129.1 lbs)
- Hamwi Formula: 45.5 kg + (2.2 kg * 4) = 45.5 + 8.8 = 54.3 kg (approx. 119.7 lbs)