How it is calculated
The formulas start at 5 feet (152.4 cm) and add a fixed amount per extra inch (2.54 cm):
| Formula | Men (kg) | Women (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 50 + 2.3 × inches | 45.5 + 2.3 × inches |
| Robinson (1983) | 52 + 1.9 × inches | 49 + 1.7 × inches |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 + 1.41 × inches | 53.1 + 1.36 × inches |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 + 2.7 × inches | 45.5 + 2.2 × inches |
The healthy range is the weight giving a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9.
Worked example
A 175 cm man (8.9 inches over 5 feet): Devine = 50 + 2.3 × 8.9 ≈ 70.5 kg; healthy range 56.7–76.3 kg.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the formulas differ?
They were designed for different purposes (such as drug dosing) on different samples, so treat them as close estimates.
Do they suit athletes?
They ignore muscle mass, so an athlete’s healthy weight may be higher.
Is ideal weight one number?
Better to think of a healthy range, shown alongside the formulas.