Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your ideal weight range using multiple evidence-based formulas. See what different approaches recommend for your height.
Last updated: May 2026
Sex
What Is Ideal Body Weight?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is the weight considered optimal for your height based on clinical research. Because bodies vary in muscle mass, bone density, and fat distribution, there's no single correct number — IBW is a reference range, not a precise target. The three formulas on this page were developed by pharmacologists in the 1970s–80s to help calculate safe drug doses, and have since been widely adopted as general health reference points.
How the Formulas Compare
Devine (1974) [PubMed]
Most widely usedThe standard in clinical settings for over 50 years. Most fitness references default to this formula.
Best for: average-height adults as a general baseline
Robinson (1983) [PubMed]
A modest revision to Devine with slightly adjusted base values. Results are similar but diverge at taller heights due to a lower per-inch increment.
Best for: general estimates across a range of heights
Miller (1983) [PubMed]
Higher starting weight, smaller per-inch increment. Gives higher estimates for shorter people and lower for taller — useful as a second opinion.
Best for: taller individuals who find Devine too lean
Ideal Weight vs. Body Composition
Scale weight alone doesn't tell you how much is muscle versus fat. A muscular person may weigh more than these formula estimates and be perfectly healthy — the formulas don't account for body composition at all. For a more complete picture, use the Body Fat Calculator alongside these estimates.
The BMI healthy range (18.5–24.9) gives a broader, more flexible target for most people — a span of 25–40 lbs rather than a single number. If your current weight falls within that range, the IBW formula values are largely academic. If you're outside it, the BMI range is the more actionable target.
How to Reach Your Ideal Weight
If you're above your range: Start by calculating your TDEE to find your maintenance calories, then use the Calorie Deficit Calculator to set a realistic daily target. Use the Protein Calculator to hit a daily protein target that preserves muscle while you lose fat.
If you're below your range: Use the Macro Calculator to build a slight calorie surplus with adequate protein, and prioritize resistance training to add lean mass rather than just body fat.
For a deeper look at how to structure your approach, see Cutting vs. Bulking: How to Know Which One You Actually Need.
Frequently Asked Questions
No single formula is universally best. The Devine formula (1974) is the most widely cited in clinical settings, particularly for drug dosing calculations. For general health purposes, the BMI healthy weight range (18.5–24.9) applied to your height is more flexible and accounts for natural body weight variation. Athletes and people with high muscle mass should use body fat percentage as a better guide.
Not exactly. Ideal weight formulas were developed for clinical contexts and give a single-point estimate. Healthy weight is better understood as a range. The BMI 18.5–24.9 range applied to your height gives a span of weights where health risks are generally lowest. Most people's actual ideal weight sits somewhere in that range.
No, they do not. These formulas only use height and sex as inputs. A muscular 5'10" athlete and a sedentary 5'10" person would get the same ideal weight number, which is one reason body fat percentage is often a more meaningful target than a weight number.
Use ideal weight as a reference point, not a rigid target. Health is better measured by body fat percentage, metabolic markers (blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol), and how you feel and perform physically. A healthy weight range, sustained consistently, matters more than hitting a precise number.
While general lifestyle sites like Stylecraze provide weight estimates, CaloricLab focuses on clinical precision. We utilize the exact Devine, Robinson, and Miller formulas used in medical settings and pharmacology. Our tool provides a comprehensive range based on peer-reviewed research, ensuring your results are grounded in metabolic science rather than generic averages.
Related Calculators
Disclaimer: Results are estimates based on population averages and established equations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.