Ideal Weight Calculator
Calculate your ideal weight using multiple scientific formulas. Get healthy weight recommendations based on your height and gender using proven methods.
Used to calculate weight change needed
Understanding Ideal Body Weight: Science-Based Approaches
📏 Calculation Methods
Multiple formulas estimate ideal weight based on height, each developed from different population studies and medical research.
Robinson Formula (1983)
- • Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet
- • Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
- • Use: General population estimates
- • Accuracy: Well-validated, widely used
Miller Formula (1983)
- • Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet
- • Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet
- • Use: Clinical settings
- • Accuracy: Good for average builds
Devine Formula (1974)
- • Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
- • Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
- • Use: Drug dosing calculations
- • Note: Originally for pharmaceutical use
⚖️ Healthy Weight Ranges
BMI-Based Healthy Range
- • BMI 18.5-24.9: Healthy weight range
- • Range Width: Typically 20-30 lbs variation
- • Flexibility: Accounts for body composition
- • Individual: Depends on muscle mass, frame
Body Frame Considerations
- • Small Frame: Lower end of healthy range
- • Medium Frame: Middle of healthy range
- • Large Frame: Upper end of healthy range
- • Measurement: Wrist circumference indicates frame
Athletic vs. Sedentary
- • Athletes: May exceed "ideal" due to muscle
- • Muscle Mass: Weighs more than fat tissue
- • Better Metric: Body fat % for athletes
- • Health: Muscle at higher weight healthier than fat
Achieving & Maintaining Healthy Weight
📈 Reaching Your Goal Weight
If You Need to Lose Weight
- • Rate: 1-2 lbs per week is sustainable
- • Deficit: 500-1000 cal/day below TDEE
- • Protein: High protein preserves muscle (1.6-2.2g/kg)
- • Strength: Resistance training maintains muscle
If You Need to Gain Weight
- • Rate: 0.5-1 lb per week for lean mass
- • Surplus: 300-500 cal/day above TDEE
- • Focus: Nutrient-dense, calorie-rich foods
- • Training: Progressive overload resistance training
🔄 Long-Term Maintenance
Sustainable Habits
- • Consistency: Small daily actions over perfection
- • Flexibility: 80/20 rule for social situations
- • Movement: 7,000-10,000 steps daily
- • Sleep: 7-9 hours supports weight regulation
Mindset & Behavior
- • Self-monitoring: Weekly weigh-ins, not daily obsession
- • Realistic: Focus on range, not single number
- • Non-scale: Energy, fitness, how clothes fit
- • Support: Social support increases success rate
Special Considerations by Life Stage
👦 Young Adults (18-30)
Metabolism: Typically at peak, easier maintenance
Focus: Build healthy habits early
Activity: Leverage high energy for fitness
Weight: Aim for middle of healthy range
👨💼 Middle Age (30-50)
Metabolism: Slows 2-3% per decade
Focus: Prevent gradual weight creep
Muscle: Resistance training crucial
Weight: Middle to upper healthy range acceptable
👵 Older Adults (50+)
Muscle Loss: Sarcopenia prevention priority
Focus: Maintain muscle mass and strength
Weight: Slightly higher BMI may be protective
Caution: Avoid extreme weight loss
🤰 Pregnancy
Pre-pregnancy: Healthy weight improves outcomes
During: Gain 25-35 lbs (normal BMI)
Post-partum: Gradual return over 6-12 months
Breastfeeding: Supports healthy weight loss
Why Choose Our Ideal Weight Calculator?
Looking for the best ideal weight calculator 2024? Our calculator provides multiple scientifically-validated formulas to estimate your optimal weight range. Get personalized recommendations based on your height, gender, and body composition.
✓ Multiple Formulas
- • Robinson, Miller, Devine, Hamwi formulas
- • BMI-based healthy weight range
- • Gender-specific calculations
- • Scientific validation
✓ Personalized Results
- • Healthy weight range (not just one number)
- • Current weight comparison
- • Goal setting recommendations
- • Both metric and imperial units
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
A: No single formula is perfect for everyone. The Robinson formula is widely used and well-validated for general populations. We provide multiple formulas so you can see a range. Your ideal weight depends on body composition, muscle mass, and frame size, not just height.
Q: I'm muscular - will these formulas be accurate for me?
A: Height-based formulas don't account for muscle mass. Athletes and bodybuilders often weigh more than "ideal" due to muscle, which is healthy. Focus on body fat percentage instead. If you resistance train regularly, aim for the upper end of the healthy weight range or slightly above.
Q: How quickly should I try to reach my ideal weight?
A: Aim for 1-2 lbs per week if losing weight, or 0.5-1 lb per week if gaining. Rapid changes often aren't sustainable and can lead to muscle loss or excess fat gain. Set a realistic timeline: losing 20 lbs safely takes 10-20 weeks minimum.
Q: Can ideal weight change with age?
A: Yes. Metabolism slows with age, and some muscle loss is natural. Research suggests slightly higher BMI (up to 27) may be protective in older adults. Focus on maintaining muscle mass and functional fitness rather than trying to match your weight from 20 years ago.