What is Ideal Weight Calculator?
Ideal body weight formulas were developed for clinical use — originally to calculate drug doses and ventilator settings — by relating a base weight at 5 feet to a fixed increment per additional inch. Four versions remain in circulation: Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), Miller (1983) and Hamwi (1964). They give different answers, typically within a few kilograms of each other, because each was fitted to a different population. This calculator shows all four side by side, plus the healthy weight range derived from BMI 18.5–24.9. Since frame size, muscle mass and age all vary, use the formulas as reference points and the BMI range as the broad target.
Common Uses for Ideal Weight Calculator
- See the clinical ideal-weight estimate for your height
- Compare four formulas and the healthy BMI range together
- Set a reference target for clinical or fitness use
- Understand why 'ideal weight' is a range, not a number
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ideal weight formula is best?
Devine is the most widely used clinically, especially for drug dosing. None is universally correct; they were built for different populations. Reading all four together gives a more honest picture than trusting one.
Why do the formulas disagree?
Each was derived from a different dataset and uses slightly different base weights and per-inch increments. Differences of 3–6 kg between formulas at the same height are normal.
Is ideal body weight the same as a healthy weight?
No. Ideal body weight is a clinical reference used for dosing; healthy weight is a range from BMI 18.5–24.9. For personal goals, the healthy range is the better guide.
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