Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your ideal weight range using multiple established formulas.
How this is calculated
Devine: 50 + 2.3 x (inches over 5ft) for males. Hamwi: 48 + 2.7 x (inches over 5ft) for males.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ideal Weight Calculator
An ideal weight calculator determines your healthy weight range using multiple established formulas (Devine, Hamwi, and BMI methods) to account for different body types.
What is ideal weight and why are there multiple formulas?
Ideal weight is a healthy weight range for your height and sex. Multiple formulas exist because different body types have different healthy weights. The Devine and Hamwi formulas were developed medically, while BMI provides a range based on body mass index. Your ideal weight falls somewhere in these ranges.
What is the Devine formula?
The Devine formula was developed in 1974 for drug dosing calculations. For men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. For women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. It's widely used in medicine but tends to be conservative compared to modern standards.
What is the Hamwi formula?
The Hamwi formula is similar to Devine but with different constants. For men: 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet. For women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet. It generally provides slightly higher weights than Devine and is considered more realistic by many practitioners.
How do I use these formulas if I'm not average height?
For heights significantly above or below average, the formulas are less reliable. If you're very tall or short, focus on healthy body composition (low body fat percentage) rather than a specific scale weight. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
What if my current weight is outside these ranges?
If you're significantly outside healthy ranges, gradual weight loss or gain may improve health. However, don't aim for a specific number—focus on being fit, strong, and healthy. A fit person at the higher end of a range may be healthier than an unfit person at the lower end.
Should I aim for the bottom or top of the healthy weight range?
Aim for a weight where you feel good, have energy, and maintain good health markers. For most people, this is somewhere in the middle of their range. Factors like muscle mass, bone density, and personal preference matter more than hitting a specific number.