Ideal Weight Calculator
What is a healthy weight for your height? Compare the four standard ideal body weight formulas with the healthy BMI range, in pounds or kilograms.
Healthy BMI weight range
How to use the ideal weight calculator
- Choose units and sex.
- Enter your height.
- Compare the formula results with the healthy BMI range.
What "ideal weight" formulas mean
The Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi formulas were created to estimate medication doses, not to set personal goals. Each adds a fixed amount per inch over five feet, so they give a single number that ignores build, muscle and age. The healthy BMI range (18.5 to 24.9) gives a band of weights instead, which is a more practical guide.
Athletes and people with more muscle often weigh more than these figures while being very healthy, and older adults may benefit from being at the higher end of the range. Waist circumference and body fat percentage add useful context.
The formulas are designed for adults at least five feet tall; results below that are extrapolated. This calculator gives general estimates for information only and is not medical advice. Talk with a healthcare provider about the right weight for you.
Need a different tool? Suggest it here — we read every message.
Frequently asked questions
What is the healthy weight for 5'6"?
The healthy BMI range at 5 feet 6 inches is about 115 to 154 pounds.
Which ideal weight formula is best?
None is definitive; they differ by a few pounds. The BMI range is a broader, more realistic target.
Does ideal weight depend on age?
The formulas ignore age, but research suggests a slightly higher BMI may be healthier for older adults.
Is BMI accurate for muscular people?
No. BMI cannot tell muscle from fat, so muscular people may be classed as overweight.