Want to get an estimate of your ideal body weight? Our free Ideal Weight Calculator uses your height and gender to estimate a target body weight based on a commonly used ideal body weight formula.
Choose your preferred unit, enter your height, select your gender, and the calculator will show your estimated ideal weight in kilograms or pounds.
Keep in mind that there is no single ideal weight that is right for everyone. Body composition, muscle mass, age, body shape, and other factors can affect what a healthy weight looks like for an individual. This calculator is best used as a general reference rather than a medical recommendation.
What Is an Ideal Weight Calculator?
An Ideal Weight Calculator gives you an estimated body weight based mainly on your height and gender. It can be useful when you want a quick reference point for understanding how your current weight compares with commonly used ideal body weight formulas.
There is no single weight that is perfect for everyone. Different formulas can give different results, and factors such as muscle mass, body composition, age, and overall health are not fully captured by a simple height-based calculation. Research has also found that commonly used ideal body weight formulas can produce different results at the same height.
How to Use the Ideal Weight Calculator
Using the calculator is simple:
- Select Metric or Imperial units.
- Enter your height.
- Select Male or Female.
- Click Calculate.
- Your estimated ideal body weight will be displayed.
How Is Ideal Body Weight Calculated?
This calculator uses the Devine formula, a commonly used ideal body weight equation.
For men, the formula starts with 50 kg at 5 feet and adds 2.3 kg for each inch above 5 feet.
For women, it starts with 45.5 kg at 5 feet and also adds 2.3 kg for each inch above 5 feet.
Because different ideal body weight formulas exist, another calculator may give you a slightly different result. That does not necessarily mean one of the calculations is wrong.
Is Ideal Weight the Same as Healthy Weight?
Not exactly. Ideal body weight formulas provide an estimate based primarily on height, while a person’s healthy weight can depend on many other factors.
BMI, body composition, waist measurements, muscle mass, age, and other health factors may provide additional information. A single calculated number should not be used by itself to judge someone’s health.
Why Does Gender Affect the Result?
The Devine formula uses different starting values for men and women. This means that two people with the same height can receive different estimated ideal body weights depending on the selected gender.
Gender is used as part of the formula only; it does not mean that every person of a particular gender should have the same target weight.
How Accurate Is an Ideal Weight Calculator?
An ideal weight calculator should be treated as a general estimate, not an exact measurement.
Several established formulas are used for ideal body weight, including Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi, and Hammond. These formulas can produce different estimates for the same height.
For a more complete assessment of your weight and health, a healthcare professional can consider your individual circumstances rather than relying on an ideal weight formula alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal weight for my height?
Your estimated ideal weight depends on the formula being used. This calculator uses the Devine formula and considers your height and selected gender.
Can men and women have different ideal weights at the same height?
Yes. The Devine formula uses different starting values for men and women, so the estimated result can be different even when height is the same.
Why do other ideal weight calculators show different results?
There are several established ideal body weight formulas. Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi, and Hammond use different equations, so their results can vary.
Is ideal body weight the same as BMI?
No. Ideal body weight formulas estimate a target weight from height, while BMI uses both weight and height. They are related concepts but are not the same measurement.
Can I use this calculator for children?
No. This calculator is intended as a general adult reference. Children and teenagers should be assessed using age- and sex-specific growth standards rather than adult ideal body weight formulas.
Should I try to reach the exact number shown?
Not necessarily. The result is an estimate from one formula and should not be treated as a required target. Your appropriate weight can depend on your body composition and individual health circumstances.