Ideal Weight Calculator - Calculate Your Target Weight with 4 Proven Formulas | Free Body Weight Calculator
Calculate Your Ideal Weight
Understanding Ideal Body Weight
What is Ideal Body Weight?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is a medically calculated target weight for your height, gender, and frame size. Unlike BMI which provides a range, IBW formulas estimate a specific optimal weight.
Developed by physicians and nutritionists over decades, these formulas help healthcare providers:
- Determine medication dosages
- Set realistic weight loss/gain goals
- Assess nutritional requirements
- Evaluate health risks
However, ideal weight is just a guideline. Factors like muscle mass, bone density, and overall body composition matter more than hitting a specific number.
Four Proven Formulas
1. Robinson Formula (1983)
Most widely used modern formula. Male: 52 kg + 1.9 kg/inch over 5ft. Female: 49 kg + 1.7 kg/inch.
2. Miller Formula (1983)
Similar accuracy to Robinson. Male: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg/inch. Female: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg/inch.
3. Devine Formula (1974)
Classic formula still used in medical settings. Male: 50 kg + 2.3 kg/inch. Female: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg/inch.
4. Hamwi Formula (1964)
Oldest formula, tends to estimate higher. Male: 48 kg + 2.7 kg/inch. Female: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg/inch.
Our calculator averages all four formulas for the most comprehensive estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ideal body weight and how is it calculated?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is the optimal weight range for your height and gender. It's calculated using proven formulas like Robinson (1983), Miller (1983), Devine (1974), and Hamwi (1964). These formulas consider your height, gender, and sometimes frame size to estimate a healthy weight target. Our calculator uses all four formulas and averages them for the most accurate estimate.
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
The Robinson and Miller formulas (1983) are considered most accurate for modern populations as they're based on more recent data. However, ideal weight varies by individual factors like muscle mass, bone density, and frame size. Our calculator averages all four formulas (Robinson, Miller, Devine, Hamwi) and adjusts for frame size to provide the most comprehensive estimate possible.
How does frame size affect ideal weight?
Frame size significantly impacts ideal weight. Small-framed individuals typically weigh 10% less than the calculated ideal weight, while large-framed individuals may weigh 10% more and still be healthy. You can determine frame size by measuring wrist circumference or using the thumb-and-finger method around your wrist. If fingers overlap, you have a small frame; if they just touch, medium frame; if they don't touch, large frame.