⚖️Ideal Weight Calculator
Calculate your Ideal Body Weight (IBW) based on height and gender using standard medical formulas
Last updated: November 7, 2025
If you are really concerned about your health or your looks and want to know how much you should weigh, this ideal weight calculator is the tool for you. It will help you determine your ideal body weight based on your height and sex. Read on to learn the different formulas for calculating your IBW (ideal body weight) and how to interpret the results. We will also explain how to use the healthy weight chart, which is based on BMI.
We try our best to make our calculators as precise and reliable as possible. However, this tool can never replace a professional doctor's assessment. If any health condition bothers you, consult a physician.
How to Use the Ideal Weight Calculator
The ideal weight calculator is a user-friendly tool designed to assess if your current weight aligns with the ideal range based on sex and height. To effectively use the calculator, follow these steps:
- Sex selection: Indicate your sex. Note that your sex input will be autosaved, eliminating the need to re-enter this information during subsequent visits.
- Height input: Enter your height in centimeters. Ensure that your input falls within a reasonable range, as calculations are most accurate for standard adult heights. As with sex selection, your height input will be autosaved, allowing you to resume your assessment if you return to the calculator seamlessly.
After entering the information, the tool will calculate your ideal weight values according to the Devine formula, which is the most medically validated formula for calculating ideal body weight.
Additionally, the tool will present the minimum and maximum values for a healthy weight based on BMI. This gives you a range rather than just a single number, accounting for natural variations in body composition and muscle mass.
For example, suppose you're a male standing at 183 cm (6 ft) tall. If you input this value into the calculator, it will determine that your ideal body weight according to the Devine formula is approximately 78 kg (172 lb). Additionally, you'll find that for your weight to fall within the healthy BMI range, it should be a minimum of 62 kg (137 lb) and a maximum of 83 kg (183 lb).
How Much Should I Weigh?
There are many ways to estimate somebody's ideal weight. Truth be told, none of them is perfectly accurate, as there are a lot of factors influencing it. For example, for people with a lot of muscle mass (and high lean body mass), their ideal weight will tend to be more than indicated by the results they obtain.
Our ideal body weight calculator uses the Devine formula to find your ideal weight, as well as giving you your BMI range. While the formula gives you one number that you should be aiming for, BMI gives you a certain weight range you should be in.
For men, the ideal weight calculator uses the following equation:
Devine formula: IBW = 50 + 0.9 × (Height in cm - 152)
For women, the ideal weight calculator uses the following equation:
Devine formula: IBW = 45.5 + 0.9 × (Height in cm - 152)
The Devine formula is the most medically validated formula for calculating ideal body weight. Physicians use this formula to calculate the doses of certain drugs, such as levothyroxine or immunoglobulins.
Other formulas don't differ that much from the Devine formula, and they were mainly designed to try to improve the original formula. However, the Devine formula remains the gold standard in clinical practice.
Height Weight Chart and BMI
The last indicator of an individual's ideal weight is BMI, short for Body Mass Index. It is calculated according to BMI = weight ÷ height². The optimal, healthy range for BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Our ideal weight calculator converts this back into weight, presenting to you the range of appropriate weights for your height.
The healthy weight range provided by our calculator is based on maintaining a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. This range accounts for natural variations in body composition, muscle mass, and individual differences. It provides flexibility while maintaining health goals.
If your current weight falls into the ideal weight category, you may want to calculate your maintenance calories requirements to maintain your current weight.
Limitations of Our IBW Calculator
Remember that the values found with our ideal body weight calculator are not one hundred percent valid for all. As long as you are in the BMI normal weight range, you are fine - don't go on a strict diet just to reach that specific number!
Also, our IBW calculator is valid for adults only. Don't use it to find the proper weight range of kids - consult a specialist instead. Also, don't use it if you are pregnant. Use pregnancy weight gain calculator instead!
The ideal body weight calculation doesn't account for muscle mass, body fat percentage, bone density, or individual body composition. Athletes with high muscle mass may have weights above IBW but still be healthy. Conversely, individuals with low muscle mass may be at IBW but have high body fat.
It's best used as a general guideline alongside other health metrics. If you have concerns about your current body weight, talk to your physician or a registered dietitian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is an estimate of optimal weight based on height and gender. It's commonly used in medical settings for medication dosing, nutritional planning, and as a reference point for healthy weight goals. The calculation uses the Devine formula, which is widely accepted in clinical practice.
IBW is calculated using the Devine formula: For men: IBW = 50 + 0.9 × (Height in cm - 152). For women: IBW = 45.5 + 0.9 × (Height in cm - 152). This formula provides a baseline estimate of ideal weight based on height and gender.
A healthy weight range is typically considered to be within ±10% of your Ideal Body Weight. This accounts for natural variations in body composition, muscle mass, and individual differences. The range provides flexibility while maintaining health goals.
No, IBW varies by gender. Men and women have different ideal body weights due to differences in body composition, muscle mass, and bone density. The calculator accounts for these differences using gender-specific formulas.
IBW is a useful reference point, but it's important to consider your individual circumstances. Factors like muscle mass, body composition, age, and overall health should be considered. Consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate weight goal for you.
IBW doesn't account for muscle mass, body fat percentage, bone density, or individual body composition. Athletes with high muscle mass may have weights above IBW but still be healthy. Conversely, individuals with low muscle mass may be at IBW but have high body fat. It's best used as a general guideline alongside other health metrics.