Ideal Weight Calculator
Find ideal weight using Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi formulas.
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How This Ideal Weight Calculator Works
This calculator uses established scientific formulas validated in peer-reviewed literature. All calculations run locally in your browser — no data is sent to any server.
Ideal Weight Formulas Compared
| Formula | Year | Men (5'10") | Women (5'5") |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devine | 1974 | 166 lbs | 135 lbs |
| Robinson | 1983 | 165 lbs | 138 lbs |
| Miller | 1983 | 170 lbs | 142 lbs |
| Hamwi | 1964 | 172 lbs | 137 lbs |
Why Four Formulas?
No single formula accounts for body frame, muscle mass, or ethnicity. The Devine formula was created for medication dosing, not weight goals. Robinson refined it. Miller tends higher. Hamwi is used in dietary planning. Use the range across all four as your guideline. Combine with BMI, body fat, and lean body mass for a complete picture. Set calorie targets with the Calorie Calculator.
Understanding the Four Formulas
Each formula was developed for a different medical purpose, which explains why they produce different results. The Devine formula (1974) was originally created for calculating gentamicin dosages — an antibiotic where dosing accuracy matters for safety. Despite not being designed for weight counseling, it became the most widely cited formula in clinical practice. The Robinson formula (1983) was an intentional refinement of Devine's approach for the Metropolitan Life Insurance tables. The Miller formula (1983) tends to produce slightly higher ideal weights and is considered the most generous. The Hamwi formula (1964) is the oldest of the four and remains the standard in dietetic practice.
Why No Single Number Is "Ideal"
The concept of a single ideal weight is an oversimplification. Your healthiest weight depends on body frame size, muscle mass, age, bone density, and individual health conditions. A 5'10" person with a large frame and significant muscle mass may be perfectly healthy at 190 lbs, well above what most formulas suggest. Conversely, a small-framed sedentary person at 170 lbs might benefit from weight reduction.
For this reason, the range across all four formulas is more useful than any single number. Combine your ideal weight range with BMI (18.5-24.9 is the healthy range), body fat percentage (14-24% for men, 21-31% for women is average), and waist-to-hip ratio (below 0.90 for men, 0.85 for women). This multi-metric approach gives you a much clearer picture than any single measurement.
Setting Realistic Goals
If you're working toward your ideal weight range, set a moderate calorie target using our Calorie Calculator — a 500-calorie daily deficit produces approximately 1 pound of weight loss per week. Use the Macro Calculator to ensure you're getting enough protein to preserve lean mass, and track your lean body mass to verify the weight you're losing is fat rather than muscle. The One Rep Max Calculator helps ensure your strength isn't declining during a cut.
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