There is no single “ideal weight” — there is a healthy range, and it varies by height, sex, age, and body composition. This guide explains the four most widely used medical formulas for ideal body weight, provides reference charts for common heights, and explains why the number on the scale tells only part of the story.
Ideal Weight Charts by Height
The table below shows the healthy weight range for common heights using the average of four established medical formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi), alongside the BMI-based healthy range (18.5–24.9) for comparison. All weights shown for adults aged 18 and over.
Ideal Weight for Women by Height
| Height | Ideal Weight Range (4 formulas) | BMI Healthy Range (18.5–24.9) |
|---|---|---|
| 5’0″ (152 cm) | 45.4 – 52.2 kg (100 – 115 lb) | 42.8 – 57.6 kg (94 – 127 lb) |
| 5’2″ (157 cm) | 49.0 – 56.2 kg (108 – 124 lb) | 45.5 – 61.2 kg (100 – 135 lb) |
| 5’4″ (163 cm) | 52.2 – 59.9 kg (115 – 132 lb) | 49.0 – 66.0 kg (108 – 145 lb) |
| 5’6″ (168 cm) | 55.3 – 63.5 kg (122 – 140 lb) | 52.2 – 70.3 kg (115 – 155 lb) |
| 5’8″ (173 cm) | 58.5 – 67.1 kg (129 – 148 lb) | 55.5 – 74.7 kg (122 – 165 lb) |
| 5’10” (178 cm) | 61.7 – 70.8 kg (136 – 156 lb) | 58.6 – 78.9 kg (129 – 174 lb) |
| 6’0″ (183 cm) | 64.9 – 74.4 kg (143 – 164 lb) | 62.0 – 83.5 kg (137 – 184 lb) |
Ideal Weight for Men by Height
| Height | Ideal Weight Range (4 formulas) | BMI Healthy Range (18.5–24.9) |
|---|---|---|
| 5’4″ (163 cm) | 56.2 – 63.5 kg (124 – 140 lb) | 49.2 – 66.2 kg (108 – 146 lb) |
| 5’6″ (168 cm) | 60.3 – 67.6 kg (133 – 149 lb) | 52.2 – 70.3 kg (115 – 155 lb) |
| 5’8″ (173 cm) | 63.5 – 71.7 kg (140 – 158 lb) | 55.5 – 74.7 kg (122 – 165 lb) |
| 5’10” (178 cm) | 66.7 – 75.3 kg (147 – 166 lb) | 58.6 – 78.9 kg (129 – 174 lb) |
| 6’0″ (183 cm) | 69.9 – 79.4 kg (154 – 175 lb) | 62.0 – 83.5 kg (137 – 184 lb) |
| 6’2″ (188 cm) | 73.5 – 83.0 kg (162 – 183 lb) | 65.3 – 87.9 kg (144 – 194 lb) |
| 6’4″ (193 cm) | 77.1 – 86.6 kg (170 – 191 lb) | 68.9 – 92.8 kg (152 – 205 lb) |
Get your personalised ideal weight range instantly — calculated using all four medical formulas for your height and sex.
Calculate My Ideal Weight →The Four Medical Formulas Explained
Ideal body weight formulas were originally developed for medical use — primarily to calculate drug dosages based on body size rather than total weight. The four most widely cited formulas are:
1. Devine Formula (1974)
The most commonly used formula in clinical settings, developed by B.J. Devine for drug dosage calculations:
Men: IBW = 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Example — 5’9″ man: 50 + (2.3 × 9) = 50 + 20.7 = 70.7 kg
2. Robinson Formula (1983)
A revision of the Devine formula by J.D. Robinson, intended to improve accuracy across a wider range of heights:
Men: IBW = 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: IBW = 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
3. Miller Formula (1983)
Developed by D.R. Miller, this formula tends to produce lower ideal weight estimates than Devine or Robinson, particularly for taller individuals:
Men: IBW = 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: IBW = 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet
4. Hamwi Formula (1964)
The oldest of the four formulas, developed by G.J. Hamwi and still used in some clinical contexts:
Men: IBW = 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet
Why Your Ideal Weight Is a Range, Not a Number
The four formulas above typically produce results that differ by 5–8 kg from each other for any given height. This spread is not a flaw — it reflects genuine biological variation in healthy body weights among adults of the same height.
Two adults who are both 5’8″ and weigh 68 kg may have very different body compositions: one may have 15% body fat and significant muscle mass, the other may have 30% body fat and minimal muscle. Both may have the same weight and the same BMI, but one is in better metabolic health than the other.
This is why ideal weight formulas and BMI are best used as rough screening tools rather than precise targets.
Factors That Affect What Is Healthy for You
Frame Size
People with larger bone structure naturally carry more weight than those with smaller frames, even at the same height. A simple way to estimate frame size is the wrist circumference method:
- Small frame: Men with wrist <16.5 cm; Women with wrist <14 cm
- Medium frame: Men 16.5–19 cm; Women 14–14.6 cm
- Large frame: Men >19 cm; Women >14.6 cm
People with large frames may healthily weigh 10% above the standard ideal weight formula result. People with small frames may be healthiest at 10% below.
Muscle Mass
The ideal weight formulas were developed from general population data and do not account for significant muscle development. Athletes and people who do regular strength training will naturally weigh more than the formula suggests while being in excellent health.
Age
The relationship between weight and health outcomes changes with age. For adults over 65, some research suggests that slightly higher body weight (BMI 22–27) is associated with better outcomes compared to younger adults, partly because it provides a buffer against muscle and bone loss.
Ethnicity
As with BMI, ideal weight formula thresholds may need adjustment for different ethnic groups. People of South Asian and East Asian descent may have higher health risks at lower body weights than people of European descent. Consulting a healthcare provider familiar with your background is advisable for personalised guidance.
A More Useful Question Than “What Is My Ideal Weight?”
Rather than fixating on a specific target weight, most health professionals recommend focusing on measurable health markers that correlate more strongly with long-term outcomes:
- Waist circumference — men below 94 cm (37 in), women below 80 cm (31.5 in) for lower cardiometabolic risk
- Blood pressure — below 120/80 mmHg is optimal
- Blood glucose — fasting glucose below 5.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL)
- Resting heart rate — 60–80 bpm is normal; lower generally indicates better cardiovascular fitness
- Cardiorespiratory fitness — ability to sustain moderate aerobic activity for 20+ minutes
How to Reach and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Once you know your target range, reaching it sustainably requires a modest, consistent approach:
- Calorie deficit of 300–500 kcal/day for weight loss — produces 0.3–0.5 kg/week loss without excessive muscle loss
- Adequate protein — 1.6–2.2 g per kg of body weight preserves muscle during weight loss
- Strength training 2–3× per week — maintains metabolic rate and improves body composition independent of weight change
- Sleep 7–9 hours per night — sleep deprivation increases hunger hormones and reduces satiety signals
- Patience — sustainable weight loss averages 0.5 kg/week; reaching an ideal weight range from 10 kg above takes 20+ weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal weight for a 5’4″ woman?
What is the ideal weight for a 5’10” man?
Is it possible to be too thin even within the “ideal” range?
How do I know if I am a healthy weight for my height?
Does ideal weight change as you get older?
The Bottom Line
Your ideal weight is a range, not a single number. For most adults, the four established medical formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi) produce a healthy weight window of roughly 5–8 kg. Use the tables above for a quick reference, or use our calculator to see your personalised range based on your exact height and sex.
Remember that weight is one data point among many. Waist circumference, blood markers, fitness level, and how you feel day to day are equally important indicators of health.
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