Calculating your ideal body weight is a useful reference point for health and fitness goals, though it should be considered alongside other metrics like body composition and fitness level. Several methods exist to estimate ideal weight, each with different approaches and varying accuracy depending on individual factors like muscle mass and bone density.
What Is Ideal Body Weight?
Ideal body weight is an estimate of what someone of a given height, sex, and body frame should weigh to maintain good health. It's a general guideline rather than a strict target, as muscle, bone density, and overall body composition vary between individuals.
Devine Formula (Most Common)
The Devine formula is widely used by healthcare providers:
For Men:
Ideal Weight (lbs) = 50 + (2.3 Γ height in inches over 5 feet)
For Women:
Ideal Weight (lbs) = 45.5 + (2.3 Γ height in inches over 5 feet)
Devine Formula Examples
Example 1: Man 5'10"
Height: 5'10" = 70 inches
Inches over 5 feet: 10
Ideal weight = 50 + (2.3 Γ 10) = 50 + 23 = 73 kg (161 lbs)
Typically 161 lbs Β± 10%
Range: 145-177 lbs
Example 2: Woman 5'5"
Height: 5'5" = 65 inches
Inches over 5 feet: 5
Ideal weight = 45.5 + (2.3 Γ 5) = 45.5 + 11.5 = 57 kg (126 lbs)
Typically 126 lbs Β± 10%
Range: 113-139 lbs
Robinson Formula (Alternative)
Robinson formula is another commonly used method:
For Men:
Ideal Weight (lbs) = 52 + (1.9 Γ height in inches over 5 feet)
For Women:
Ideal Weight (lbs) = 49 + (1.7 Γ height in inches over 5 feet)
Miller Formula (Adjustment for Frame Size)
The Miller formula includes frame size adjustments:
For Men:
Ideal Weight (lbs) = 56.2 + (1.41 Γ height in inches over 5 feet)
For Women:
Ideal Weight (lbs) = 53.1 + (1.36 Γ height in inches over 5 feet)
Add 10% for large frame, subtract 10% for small frame.
Ideal Weight Ranges by Height
| Height | Men (Devine) | Women (Devine) |
|---|---|---|
| 5'0" | N/A | 105 lbs |
| 5'2" | 130 lbs | 113 lbs |
| 5'4" | 136 lbs | 119 lbs |
| 5'6" | 143 lbs | 125 lbs |
| 5'8" | 149 lbs | 131 lbs |
| 5'10" | 156 lbs | 137 lbs |
| 6'0" | 172 lbs | N/A |
| 6'2" | 178 lbs | N/A |
Body Frame Size Determination
Determine your frame size before applying frame adjustments:
Wrist Measurement Method:
| Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Small frame | < 6.5" | < 5.5" |
| Medium frame | 6.5-7.5" | 5.5-6.5" |
| Large frame | > 7.5" | > 6.5" |
Example:
Man 5'10" with large frame:
Devine: 156 lbs
Add 10%: 156 Γ 1.10 = 171.6 lbs
Range: 154-189 lbs
BMI-Based Healthy Weight Range
Another approach uses healthy BMI ranges:
Healthy BMI range: 18.5-24.9
Weight (lbs) = BMI Γ height in inchesΒ² Γ· 703
Example: Woman 5'5" (65 inches)
Lower BMI (18.5): 18.5 Γ 65Β² Γ· 703 = 113 lbs
Upper BMI (24.9): 24.9 Γ 65Β² Γ· 703 = 152 lbs
Healthy range: 113-152 lbs
Comparing Different Formulas
| Formula | Man 5'10" | Woman 5'5" | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devine | 156 lbs | 125 lbs | Most common |
| Robinson | 153 lbs | 123 lbs | Similar to Devine |
| Miller | 150 lbs | 120 lbs | Slightly lower |
| BMI Method | 118-160 lbs | 113-152 lbs | Wider range |
Important Limitations
Ideal weight formulas don't account for:
- Muscle mass: Athletes often weigh more than "ideal"
- Bone density: Varies significantly between individuals
- Body composition: Two people at same weight can look very different
- Genetics: Natural variation in frame and proportions
- Age: Muscle mass decreases with age
- Ethnicity: Different populations have different proportions
Realistic Examples
Example 1: Muscular Athletic Man
Height: 5'10"
Devine ideal: 156 lbs
Actual weight: 180 lbs (above ideal)
Body fat: 12% (very fit)
Muscular build means ideal weight formula underestimates
Example 2: Woman with Small Frame
Height: 5'5"
Devine ideal: 125 lbs
Actual weight: 110 lbs (below ideal)
Body fat: 22% (healthy)
Small frame means ideal weight formula overestimates
Using Ideal Weight Appropriately
Ideal weight should be used as a reference, not a strict target:
- Combined with BMI: Check both metrics
- Consider body composition: How you look matters more than scale weight
- Measure progress: Use multiple indicators (fitness, strength, measurements)
- Account for frame size: Adjust for your natural build
- Compare to your past: What weight felt good for you?
Health-Based Weight Ranges
Rather than seeking a specific "ideal," aim for a healthy range:
Healthy BMI: 18.5-24.9
Overweight: 25-29.9
Obese: 30+
Realistic Weight Goals
Instead of aiming for a formula's "ideal," consider:
- Current weight: Where you are now
- Goal weight: Achievable target (5-10% loss is meaningful)
- Timeline: Gradual change (1-2 lbs/week is sustainable)
- Body composition: Focus on looking and feeling good
Example: Setting Realistic Goals
Current: 200 lbs, 5'10" man
Devine ideal: 156 lbs
That's 44 lbs to lose (22%)
Better approach:
Phase 1 goal: 190 lbs (5% loss, realistic)
Phase 2 goal: 175 lbs (12% loss, good improvement)
Phase 3 goal: 160 lbs (20% loss, challenging)
Stop and reassess at each phase
The most important factors are how you feel, your energy level, fitness capacity, and health markers like blood pressure and cholesterolβnot just the number on the scale.
Use our Ideal Weight Calculator to determine your healthy weight range and track progress toward your goals.