Ideal Weight Calculator
Ideal Weight Calculator
The Ideal Weight Calculator estimates your ideal body weight (IBW) range based on your height, gender, and age. Over the years, experts have developed various formulas to calculate IBW, and this calculator provides results from multiple formulas for easy comparison.
Adjust the values and click “Calculate” to see your results.
Units: US Units | Metric Units | Other Units
Age: 25 (Range: 2 – 80 years)
Gender:
Height: 180 cm
Result:
Ideal Weight Based on Popular Formulas:
| Formula | Ideal Weight |
|---|---|
| Robinson (1983) | 72.6 kg |
| Miller (1983) | 71.5 kg |
| Devine (1974) | 75.0 kg |
| Hamwi (1964) | 77.3 kg |
| Healthy BMI Range | 59.9 – 81.0 kg |
Related Tools
- BMI Calculator
- Body Fat Calculator
- Calorie Calculator
How Much Should I Weigh?
The concept of an “ideal” body weight is often influenced by societal standards and media portrayals. However, IBW was originally developed to estimate medical dosages, not to define visual appeal. Today, IBW is widely used in medicine and sports, where weight classifications are important.
It’s important to note that IBW is not a perfect measure. It doesn’t account for body composition, such as muscle mass versus body fat. As a result, highly fit athletes might be classified as overweight based on IBW alone. Therefore, IBW should be viewed as a general guideline rather than a strict target for health or appearance.
Determining how much a person should weigh isn’t an exact science. Factors like age, gender, height, body frame size, and overall lifestyle play significant roles. While tools like IBW and BMI provide useful references, they should not replace healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep.
Factors Affecting Ideal Weight
1. Age
After the ages of 14-15 for girls and 16-17 for boys, most people stop growing. However, as people age, they tend to lose muscle mass and gain body fat, which can affect weight. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these changes.
2. Gender
Women generally weigh less than men due to differences in muscle mass, bone density, and height. Men typically have more muscle, which is denser and heavier than fat.
3. Height
Taller individuals naturally have more muscle mass and body fat, resulting in a higher weight. For example, a man and woman of the same height may have different ideal weights, with the man typically weighing 10-20% more.
4. Body Frame Size
Body frame size, categorized as small, medium, or large, is determined by wrist circumference relative to height. Larger frames naturally weigh more, even at the same height.
For Women:
- Height under 5’2″:
- Small: Wrist < 5.5″
- Medium: Wrist 5.5″ – 5.75″
- Large: Wrist > 5.75″
- Height 5’2″ – 5’5″:
- Small: Wrist < 6″
- Medium: Wrist 6″ – 6.25″
- Large: Wrist > 6.25″
- Height over 5’5″:
- Small: Wrist < 6.25″
- Medium: Wrist 6.25″ – 6.5″
- Large: Wrist > 6.5″
For Men:
- Height over 5’5″:
- Small: Wrist 5.5″ – 6.5″
- Medium: Wrist 6.5″ – 7.5″
- Large: Wrist > 7.5″
Popular IBW Formulas
These formulas calculate ideal weight based on height and gender. They were originally developed for medical dosage calculations but are now widely used for general reference.
1. Hamwi Formula (1964)
- Men: 48.0 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
- Women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet
2. Devine Formula (1974)
- Men: 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
- Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
3. 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
4. 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
Healthy BMI Range
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a BMI range of 18.5 – 25 for adults. This range is used to determine a healthy weight for a given height. BMI is a quick indicator of potential health risks, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
For children and teens (ages 2-20), the CDC recommends maintaining a BMI between the 5th and 85th percentiles based on age and gender.
Limitations of the IBW Calculator
While the IBW calculator provides useful estimates, it has limitations:
- It doesn’t account for body composition (muscle vs. fat).
- It doesn’t consider activity levels, physical disabilities, or extreme body types.
- The formulas are generalized and may not apply to every individual.
Use the results as a guideline rather than a strict target. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Conclusion
The Ideal Weight Calculator is a helpful tool for estimating a healthy weight range based on height, gender, and age. However, it’s essential to focus on overall health and lifestyle rather than chasing a specific number. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep habits are far more important than achieving an “ideal” weight.