Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your ideal body weight range using the Devine, Miller, and Hamwi clinical formulas.
About Ideal Body Weight
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) formulas were developed for clinical drug dosing. The Devine formula (1974) is most widely used. Remember IBW is a rough guideline — body composition matters more than scale weight.
Accuracy The Devine, Miller, and Hamwi formulas estimate ideal weight within ±5 kg for average-framed adults of typical height. They were originally created for medication dosing in hospitalized patients — not for fitness goals. They do not account for muscle mass, age, or ethnicity. The healthy BMI weight range (shown in the results) is typically the most practically useful target for the general population.
Formula Comparison
| Formula | Male base (60 in) | Female base (60 in) | Per inch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 50 kg | 45.5 kg | +2.3 kg |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 kg | 53.1 kg | +1.41 / +1.36 kg |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 kg | 45.4 kg | +2.7 / +2.3 kg |
What to do with your result
- Choose a target weight within the healthy BMI range as your primary goal — this is the best-evidenced range for long-term health. The clinical formulas (Devine, Hamwi, Miller) are useful secondary references.
- If your current weight is above the ideal range: use the TDEE Calculator to set a calorie target. A 500 kcal/day deficit produces roughly 0.5 kg/week of loss.
- Track progress monthly rather than weekly, and monitor body fat percentage alongside scale weight using the Body Fat Calculator to ensure you are losing fat, not muscle.
- If you are muscular and above the formula targets: check your body fat percentage — if it is in the fitness or athlete range, your scale weight is not a concern and you should focus on performance rather than the number on the scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are ideal weight formulas?
The Devine, Miller, and Hamwi formulas estimate ideal weight within approximately ±5 kg for average-framed adults. They were developed for clinical drug dosing — not as fitness targets — so they do not account for muscle mass, age, ethnicity, or frame size. The healthy BMI weight range (18.5–24.9 kg/m²) shown in the results is generally a more useful and better-evidenced target for the general population.
Which formula should I use?
For most people, the healthy BMI range is the most practical target. The Devine formula is the most widely cited in clinical settings. If the three formulas give very different results, consider getting a body fat percentage measurement — your goal weight should support a healthy body fat level, not just hit an arbitrary formula target.
What should I do if I am significantly above my ideal weight?
Focus on sustainable fat loss rather than rapid weight loss. Calculate your TDEE, create a 300–500 kcal/day deficit, and aim for 0.25–0.5 kg/week of loss. Include resistance training to preserve muscle mass. Avoid extreme deficits — losing weight too fast increases the risk of muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic slowdown.
Do ideal weight formulas apply to athletes?
No. Athletes and muscular individuals will typically be above their formula-calculated ideal weight despite being healthy and lean. For anyone with above-average muscle mass, body fat percentage is a far more meaningful metric than scale weight. A bodybuilder at 90 kg may have better health markers than a sedentary person at their calculated ideal weight of 75 kg.
How often should I check my ideal weight progress?
Weigh yourself monthly or every 4–8 weeks when actively working toward a weight goal. The formula targets do not change (they are based on height), but your actual weight changes with diet and activity. Avoid daily weighing during a diet — normal hydration fluctuations of 1–3 kg can be discouraging and misleading.
This calculator is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice.