Height–Weight Reference Table
How Is Ideal Body Weight Calculated?
Ideal body weight (IBW) formulas estimate a healthy target weight based on height and gender. Clinicians have used these formulas since the 1960s for drug dosing, nutritional assessment, and ventilator settings. While no single number defines "ideal," using multiple formulas gives you a realistic range for your height.
Devine Formula (1974)
The most widely used formula in medicine. Originally developed by Dr. B.J. Devine for calculating drug dosages, not as a health target. It tends to underestimate ideal weight for shorter individuals and overestimate for taller ones.
- Male: 50 + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft
- Female: 45.5 + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft
Robinson Formula (1983)
Dr. Robinson updated the Devine formula with improved population data, producing more moderate estimates that better reflect real-world body weights.
- Male: 52 + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 ft
- Female: 49 + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 ft
Miller Formula (1983)
Dr. Miller's formula tends to produce the highest ideal weight estimates, making it more lenient than other formulas. Some experts consider it the most realistic for modern populations.
- Male: 56.2 + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 ft
- Female: 53.1 + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 ft
Hamwi Formula (1964)
The oldest of the group, developed by Dr. G.J. Hamwi. It's commonly used by dietitians as a quick reference for initial weight assessments.
- Male: 48 + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 ft
- Female: 45.5 + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 ft
BMI-Based Range
Rather than a single number, the BMI-based method calculates the weight range corresponding to a healthy BMI of 18.5–24.9. This provides the widest reference range and accounts for individual variation.
Which Formula Is Most Accurate?
No single formula is definitively "best." Research suggests the Robinson and Miller formulas align most closely with modern population data, while the Devine formula remains the clinical standard for drug dosing. The BMI-based range is most useful as a general health reference because it acknowledges that healthy weight is a range, not a single number.
For the most complete picture, look at the range across all formulas rather than picking one. If all five formulas agree your ideal weight is between 65–72 kg, you can be confident that range is reasonable for your height.
Limitations of Ideal Weight Formulas
- No body composition data: These formulas don't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body fat percentage. A muscular athlete may weigh well above their "ideal" weight and be perfectly healthy.
- Based on older populations: Most formulas were developed using data from the mid-20th century, which may not reflect current demographics.
- Height baseline: All four classic formulas use 5 feet as a baseline, making them less reliable for very short (<5 ft) or very tall (>6'4") individuals.
- No age adjustment: Healthy weight tends to increase slightly with age, but these formulas don't account for that.
- Binary gender model: The formulas only provide male and female calculations, which may not suit everyone.