The Devine formula calculates ideal body weight based on height. Unlike BMI, which is a population-level screening tool, ideal weight formulas estimate what weight is healthy for a specific individual. The Devine formula is widely used in clinical settings, particularly for dosing medications and assessing nutritional status.
The Formula (Devine)
Ideal Weight (men) = 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5'0"
Ideal Weight (women) = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5'0"
Or in metric:
Ideal Weight (men) = 50 + 0.91 × (height_cm - 152.4)
Ideal Weight (women) = 45.5 + 0.91 × (height_cm - 152.4)
Worked Example
A woman 165 cm tall (5'5"):
Height above 152.4 cm = 165 - 152.4 = 12.6 cm
Ideal Weight = 45.5 + 0.91 × 12.6
= 45.5 + 11.47
= 56.97 ≈ 57 kg (125 lbs)
For a man 180 cm tall (5'11"):
Height above 152.4 cm = 180 - 152.4 = 27.6 cm
Ideal Weight = 50 + 0.91 × 27.6
= 50 + 25.1
= 75.1 ≈ 75 kg (165 lbs)
Ideal Weight vs BMI Range
| Height | Ideal (Devine) | BMI 18.5–24.9 |
|---|---|---|
| 160 cm (5'3") | 49–52 kg | 47–63 kg |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 57–60 kg | 53–72 kg |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 65–68 kg | 60–80 kg |
Devine tends to be stricter than the BMI healthy range. The BMI range accounts for natural variation; Devine targets a single "ideal."
Other Ideal Weight Formulas
Robinson Formula:
- Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5'0"
- Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5'0"
Miller Formula:
- Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5'0"
- Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5'0"
Different formulas give slightly different results; Devine is the most commonly used clinically.
Context Matters
Ideal weight depends on:
- Muscle mass: An athlete with 20% body fat at "overweight" BMI may be healthier than someone at "ideal" weight with 35% body fat
- Age: Older adults often do better at slightly higher weights
- Frame size: Large-framed individuals naturally weigh more than small-framed
- Overall health: Lab values, fitness, family history matter more than the number
Tips
Use ideal weight as a reference point, not a mandate. The goal is health, not a specific number. If you're within 10% of ideal weight and feel good, your labs are normal, and you're active, you're likely in a healthy range.
Use our Ideal Weight Calculator to estimate your healthy weight range using the Devine formula.