Click calculate to see results
Ideal body weight is an estimate of how much a person might weigh based on height and sex, using simple mathematical formulas. These formulas were created mainly for medical and research use, not to define how someone should look. Think of ideal body weight as a reference point, not a target you must hit. Being above or below it does not automatically mean you are unhealthy.
Several formulas are commonly used to estimate ideal body weight, and each comes from a slightly different context.
The Devine formula was developed in the 1970s and is widely used in clinical settings, especially for calculating medication dosages. It was designed with practicality in mind rather than precision for every body type.
The Hamwi formula came from a dietetics background. It was originally intended as a quick rule of thumb and is often used in nutrition-related discussions. It tends to give slightly higher estimates for taller individuals.
The Robinson and Miller formulas are refinements of earlier methods. They were created to better reflect average body proportions and are often seen as more moderate compared to older formulas. These are commonly used in academic and healthcare references.
The Peterson formula is newer and takes a more mathematical approach, aiming to smooth out some of the extremes seen in older formulas. It is often considered more flexible, especially across a wider range of heights.
All of these formulas rely on population averages. None of them account for muscle mass, bone density, age, or lifestyle.