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The Ideal Weight Calculator computes ideal body weight (IBW) ranges based on height, gender, and age. The idea of finding the IBW using a formula has been sought after by many experts for a long time. Currently, there persist several popular formulas, and our Ideal Weight Calculator provides their results for side-to-side comparisons.
All major formulas calculate IBW starting from a base height of 5 feet (60 inches), adding or subtracting fixed weight increments for each inch over 5 feet:
Male: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet
Female: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
Male: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet
Female: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet
Male: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Female: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Male: 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
Female: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet
Each formula was originally developed for specific clinical contexts—such as medication dosing (Devine) or insurance population averages (Hamwi). Variations reflect differences in baseline assumptions regarding body composition.
The Devine formula is widely used in clinical settings for calculating drug dosages, whereas the Healthy BMI Range recommended by the World Health Organization is used globally for general health screening.
Yes. IBW formulas do not distinguish between muscle mass and fat tissue. Individuals with higher muscle mass may weigh more than their IBW without being unhealthy.
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) was historically introduced to estimate dosage requirements for medical prescriptions such as anesthetics and muscle relaxants, which distribute unevenly in adipose tissue. Over time, these equations evolved into benchmark metrics for general wellness.
While IBW calculations offer clear reference points, they serve as guidelines rather than absolute targets. Frame size, muscle mass, and age play key roles in determining a healthy individual weight.