Ideal Weight Calculator
For a man who is 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) tall, the four classic formulas give 70.3 to 75.0 kg (155 to 165 lb): Devine 73.0 kg, Robinson 71.0, Miller 70.3, Hamwi 75.0.
How to use
- Choose your sex and units, then enter your height.
- Read the ideal weight from each of the four formulas and the range they span.
- Compare it with the healthy BMI weight range for your height, shown below the formulas.
How it works
Each formula starts from a base weight for 5 feet (60 inches) of height and adds a fixed amount per extra inch (h = inches over 60). In kg: Devine (1974) men 50 + 2.3h, women 45.5 + 2.3h. Robinson (1983) men 52 + 1.9h, women 49 + 1.7h. Miller (1983) men 56.2 + 1.41h, women 53.1 + 1.36h. Hamwi (1964) men 48 + 2.7h, women 45.5 + 2.2h.
A man who is 5 ft 10 in has h = 10, so Devine gives 50 + 23 = 73.0 kg, Robinson 71.0, Miller 70.3 and Hamwi 75.0.
The formulas were made for heights from about 5 feet up. For people shorter than 5 ft (152.4 cm) the results are extrapolated and less reliable, and the tool says so. They ignore age, frame size and muscle, so they are rough references only.
For a modern check, compare with the weight range for a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 (the WHO normal range). This is general information, not medical advice. Ask a doctor what weight is right for you.
Formulas (h = inches of height over 5 ft)
| Formula | Men (kg) | Women (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Devine, 1974 | 50 + 2.3h | 45.5 + 2.3h |
| Robinson, 1983 | 52 + 1.9h | 49 + 1.7h |
| Miller, 1983 | 56.2 + 1.41h | 53.1 + 1.36h |
| Hamwi, 1964 | 48 + 2.7h | 45.5 + 2.2h |
Sources and disclaimer
Devine BJ, "Gentamicin therapy", Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy 8, 1974. Robinson JD et al., "Determination of ideal body weight for drug dosage calculations", American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy 40, 1983. Miller DR et al., same journal, 1983. Hamwi GJ, "Therapy: changing dietary concepts", in Diabetes Mellitus: Diagnosis and Treatment, American Diabetes Association, 1964. BMI range: World Health Organization.
This tool is not medical advice. Ask a doctor about your own health.
Sources: WHOLast reviewed 2026-10-13
FAQ
Which formula is most accurate?
None is a medical standard. The four give results within a few kilograms of each other at average heights. Devine was designed for dosing medicines, and the others were proposed as weight references. Use the range, not a single number.
Why do the formulas disagree?
They were fitted to different data and periods. Hamwi and Devine are higher for tall people, and Miller is higher for shorter people. The spread shows how uncertain "ideal" is.
Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?
No. Health depends on body composition, fitness, age and medical history. BMI range and waist size give additional context, and your doctor can judge best.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. The calculation runs in your browser and nothing you enter is sent to a server.