Ideal Weight Calculator
Estimate ideal body weight using four established medical formulas, compared side-by-side.
TL;DR — Ideal Weight Calculator: An ideal weight calculator estimates a target body weight from height and sex using long-standing medical formulas — Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi. These were originally developed for drug dosing and clinical estimates, and produce slightly different numbers, so Cal44 shows all four together.
What is the Ideal Weight Calculator?
An ideal weight calculator estimates a target body weight from height and sex using long-standing medical formulas — Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi. These were originally developed for drug dosing and clinical estimates, and produce slightly different numbers, so Cal44 shows all four together.
How to use the Ideal Weight Calculator
- Choose your sex (formulas differ for men and women).
- Enter your height in centimetres or feet/inches.
- Read the ideal weight estimate from each of the four formulas.
Formula
Devine (men): 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft Robinson (men): 52.0 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 ft Miller (men): 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 ft Hamwi (men): 48.0 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 ft
Female versions use lower baselines (typically by 5–10 kg) and smaller per-inch increments.
Worked example
A 5'10" (178 cm) man, 10 inches over 5 feet. Devine: 50 + 23 = 73 kg. Robinson: 52 + 19 = 71 kg. Miller: 56.2 + 14.1 = 70.3 kg. Hamwi: 48 + 27 = 75 kg.
Frequently asked questions
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
None is perfectly accurate — they were originally derived for drug dosing, not health goals. Use the average across formulas as a rough target, alongside BMI and body composition measurements.
Is ideal weight the same as a healthy weight?
Not exactly. "Ideal weight" formulas predate modern obesity research. A healthy weight is better defined by BMI 18.5–24.9, low waist circumference and good metabolic markers.
How is ideal weight different for women?
Each formula has a separate female version with lower baseline weights, reflecting average body composition differences.
Does the formula account for muscle mass?
No. Heavily muscled individuals will fall above their formula-ideal weight without being overweight. Combine with a body-fat measurement.
Should I aim for ideal weight from these formulas?
Use them as a starting reference. A sustainable, healthy weight is one you can maintain with normal eating and activity, with good clinical markers.