What Is Ideal Weight?
Definition
Ideal Weight: A body weight estimated from height and sex with the Devine, Robinson, Miller or Hamwi formula. The formulas apply to adults of 152.4 cm (5 ft) or taller.
Ideal weight, or ideal body weight, is a body weight estimated from height and sex with a formula. The Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi formulas add a fixed weight for every inch over 5 ft (152.4 cm). Clinics use it mostly to dose medicines; it is not a target weight. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Where it appears in the formulas
The ideal weight calculator shows all four formulas; the main result is Devine (1974). For men ideal weight = 50 + 2.3 × inches over 5 ft, for women ideal weight = 45.5 + 2.3 × inches over 5 ft, in kg. The inches come from height (cm) / 2.54 − 60. The calculator also gives the BMI 18.5–24.9 healthy weight range.
Ideal weight and BMI
Ideal weight is a single value from height and sex only. The body mass index judges your current weight and gives a healthy weight range for your height. The formulas are not defined below 152.4 cm; use the BMI range there.