Calculate your ideal body weight based on height, gender, and frame size.
Result = Validated health or fitness equation applied to the measurements and options entered. Review the methodology and limitations before interpreting the estimate.The estimate uses the requested body measurements and the equation identified in the formula section. Measurement technique, body composition, age, sex selection, hydration, pregnancy and medical conditions can affect interpretation.
The "Ideal Weight Calculator" provides a reference body weight based on the person's height and, if indicated by the equation chosen, on his/her gender. This calculator's intent is not to show one medically ideal weight but may compare a number of well-known ideal body weight formulas and display the outcome(s) in pounds or kilograms. Ideal body weight calculations are known as references equations rather than precisely defined or clinically "ideal" weights; two different equations will display two different values, even if given the exact same weight as an input for both calculations. This value will serve as a handy comparison point and for knowledge, but it is not, and does not provide: an accurate assessment of body composition; the level of an individuals fitness, level of nutritional adequacy, or indicate the optimal and appropriate weight for a specific person.
Enter feet and inches in separate boxes when imputing height. Entering 5' 10" should be written 5 and then 10 and not 5.10 feet if not specifically asked for the calculator to read in decimal feet.
An ideal weight calculator derives reference body weight using mathematical formulas the calculations for which are mainly dependent on height. Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi formulas are typically used. An ideal weight calculation typically assumes the weight of a person at 5 feet and then adds a certain number of pounds for every inch exceeding 5 feet.
Since these formulas have varying constants, there is not one standard "ideal weight" to go by. In using a calculator that gives more than one formula, you are presented with different possibilities to compare rather than one fixed "right" number.
Male: 50 kg + 2.3 kg × each inch over 5 feet
Female: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg × each inch over 5 feet
Male: 52 kg + 1.9 kg × each inch over 5 feet
Female: 49 kg + 1.7 kg × each inch over 5 feet
Male: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg × each inch over 5 feet
Female: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg × each inch over 5 feet
Male: 48 kg + 2.7 kg × each inch over 5 feet
Female: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg × each inch over 5 feet
All of the traditional equations were established using adult height and sex classification. They are intended as reference targets and not individual strict goals.
Consider an adult male who is 5 feet 10 inches tall. This height is 10 inches above 5 feet.
50 + (2.3 × 10) = 73.0 kg
52 + (1.9 × 10) = 71.0 kg
56.2 + (1.41 × 10) = 70.3 kg
48 + (2.7 × 10) = 75.0 kg
| Formula | Estimated Weight | Approximate Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| Devine | 73.0 kg | 160.9 lb |
| Robinson | 71.0 kg | 156.5 lb |
| Miller | 70.3 kg | 155.0 lb |
| Hamwi | 75.0 kg | 165.3 lb |
The variation between these results is expected. It reflects differences in the equations rather than a calculation error.
For estimation purposes the ideal weight figure is best viewed as just a mathematical guideline, and simply falling over or under this may not be indicative of illness.
When multiple formulas are present, how different each formula's answer is could be an indication of the variation on what "ideal weight" may be. An equation may be a higher prediction and another a lower prediction for the same height.
The number arrived at should also not be regarded as a target weight gain or weight loss number without further consideration. These formulas do not reflect individual conditions or bodily makeup in any form- medical history, age, developmental stage etc.
The Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi formulas are calculated independently and use individual base weight and incremental additions per inch of height. Because of this, the values given by two formulas will be markedly different at an identical height and sex.
| Formula | Male Base at 5 ft | Female Base at 5 ft | Added per Inch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devine | 50 kg | 45.5 kg | 2.3 kg |
| Robinson | 52 kg | 49 kg | 1.9 kg male, 1.7 kg female |
| Miller | 56.2 kg | 53.1 kg | 1.41 kg male, 1.36 kg female |
| Hamwi | 48 kg | 45.5 kg | 2.7 kg male, 2.2 kg female |
This is why comparing multiple equations is generally more informative than treating one result as an exact target.
Height is the key variable in standard ideal body weight equations. Changes as small as an inch will affect calculated results-taking an accurate height gives us a more accurate estimate.
As different constants were used to calculate figures for males and females using the established equations; the input could determine the final weight with the height staying the same.
This does not separate different tissues such as muscle, fat, bone, etc. Two subjects who are of the same height, and have the same body weight, may vary by a significant amount from each other.
Many classical ideal weight equations do not account for a changing formula throughout one's life. In this regard they cannot accounts for changing body compositions throughout a lifetime, or specific health concerns as related to aging.
The inherent characteristics such as body frame, musculature and body develop etc. Are not taken into account of by height based formulas.
The results given from the calculator may be in the US Customary system, or in the metric system. The normal relationship between the two weight units is:
1 kilogram = approximately 2.20462 pounds
Pounds = Kilograms × 2.20462
Kilograms = Pounds ÷ 2.20462
By example, your calculated ideal body weight of 70kg is approximately 154.3 lb; small variations might show when figures are rounded off.
Ideal body weight formulas and Body Mass Index answer different questions. Typical ideal body weight equations estimate an ideal weight primarily based on a subject's height and gender, whereas a persons current weight is utilized in Body Mass Index to represent the ideal weight for a subjects' height.
A weight calculator should not, then, be considered an alternative to a BMI calculation or any other measure of body composition and general health as it uses a different system and achieves a different purpose.
It is possible this weight estimate is for assessing body weight in relation to pregnancy, childhood growth, a disease, a drug or treatment, an important weight gain or loss and other conditions. Calculator estimates do not replace medical advice and assessment by a trained professional.
Within this calculator, the term 'Ideal body weight' indicates a projected reference body weight from a formula which has previously been established, and cannot be considered as the 'best' or 'only' medical body weight for an individual height.
There is no ideal standard IBW formula for everyone. The constants used by Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi all vary and give different results for IBW. You can compare these formulas.
For each equation we would assign an alternative base weight and an alternative amount added per inch above the height of 5 foot. With this in consideration we would get a varying result.
The concept of age is important with regards to body composition and health status but is generally excluded as a variable of calculation from classic, ideal body weight formulas.
No, neither of the height-based ideal body weight formulas accounts for, or measures muscle mass. Thus, a person of high muscle content could diverge significantly from the calculator value, where this difference indicates no ill health itself.
That's not entirely accurate. Ideal weight formulas are mathematical, or reference estimations. They do not determine a person's healthy weight. Your healthy weight can't be determined by only one height based formula.
Measure under consistent conditions, calculate the result and record the date and method. Compare trends only when the same units and measurement technique are used each time.
Different formulas for calculating the ideal body weight are based on the height. In the example below calculation changes depending on height for the adults by using the formula developed by Devine. These calculations are only reference values, not targets.
| Height | Devine Male Estimate | Devine Female Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 0 in | 50.0 kg | 45.5 kg |
| 5 ft 2 in | 54.6 kg | 50.1 kg |
| 5 ft 4 in | 59.2 kg | 54.7 kg |
| 5 ft 6 in | 63.8 kg | 59.3 kg |
| 5 ft 8 in | 68.4 kg | 63.9 kg |
| 5 ft 10 in | 73.0 kg | 68.5 kg |
| 6 ft 0 in | 77.6 kg | 73.1 kg |
Height is put directly into a normal ideal body weight equation, which may produce an abnormal result if the wrong value for height. Height should be measured standing straight preferably in just the weight with a natural head, measured from the floor to the very crown of the head.
To find the proper form to enter this equation, one must remember that height measured in cm needs to be accurately converted. An equation where the needed data is measured in feet and inches will utilize the fact that an inch is 2.54 centimeters
If your calculator takes both measurement systems, your 5'10" height could appear as either feet and inches or as centimeters. 5' 10" in the imperial system translates to 70 inches and to 177.8 centimeters.
Centimeters = Inches × 2.54
The discrepancy can become slightly larger if rounding of the height occurs previous to calculation. Using the best possible measurement would assist with removing unnecessary variability from the output value.
Typically formulas are used with the base weight for the average size of 5' and then certain amount is added for each inch over 5'. Someone at 5' will have no additional inches. Someone at 5' 6" uses six inches above the 5' marker in the formula.
This calculation method is one reason height should not be entered as a decimal unless the calculator specifically requests decimal feet.
Most existing ideal body weight equations followed a 5-foot baseline followed by a formula for added inches. Use with caution at values lower than 5 feet because the standard equation may not have been tested and intended to apply in a low position.
If the calculator permits values under 5ft for height, view the consequent prediction with some reservation and test this aspect on your calculator.
Comparing the results of various formulas will reveal the variation between the reference equations themselves. A larger discrepancy does not necessarily invalidate one calculation; it simply demonstrates the variation in mathematical principles underlying the equations.
| Comparison | What It Can Tell You |
|---|---|
| Same height, different formulas | Shows how equation choice affects the estimate |
| Same formula, different height | Shows the effect of height on the reference weight |
| Same height, different sex input | Shows the effect of sex-specific constants |
The calculated ideal weight from this calculator cannot be used as an indicator of your health without comparing it to your current body weight. You should not just assume that you need to gain or loose weight just because your current weight differs from the ideal body weight calculated.
The current weight can be considered in conjunction with other pertinent details when they become available but health involves a multitude of influencing variables that are difficult to sum up in one equation
Decimal figures are possible with the ideal weight calculation because the calculator uses values based on increments of a half-kilogram within the calculation. It's possible to be either specified a certain number of decimal places or have it rounded to the nearest whole pound or kilogram.
Rounding may have been applied slightly at different stages of the conversion causing the value to vary slightly-e.g., 70.3 kg not rounded becomes approximately 155.0 lbs.
In these situations, the calculator can still be understood as a mathematical reference, but personalized interpretation may require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Consistency in measurement methods and units makes calculations easier to compare between instances and prevent possible errors due to mis-entering the height or unit used.