⚖️ Guide
Ideal Weight Calculator – Understanding Different Formulas
Compare Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi, and BMI-based formulas. Learn which ideal weight method works best for you.
Why So Many Formulas? 🧐
There's no single "perfect" ideal weight formula. Different methods were developed for different populations (medical patients, life insurance data, general health). The best approach is understanding how each formula works and using them as ranges, not absolute targets.
1. Devine Formula (Most Common in Medicine) 👨⚕️
Developed by Dr. B.J. Devine in 1974 for drug dosing calculations. Now the most widely used formula in clinical settings.
Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet (110 lbs + 5 lbs per inch over 5 ft)
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet (100 lbs + 5 lbs per inch over 5 ft)
Example (man, 5'10"): 50 + (2.3 × 10) = 50 + 23 = 73 kg (161 lbs)
2. Robinson Formula (Modern Update) 📊
A refinement of the Devine formula, published in 1983. Gives slightly different results, especially at taller heights.
Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet (114 lbs + 4.2 lbs per inch over 5 ft)
Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet (108 lbs + 3.7 lbs per inch over 5 ft)
Example (man, 5'10"): 52 + (1.9 × 10) = 52 + 19 = 71 kg (157 lbs)
3. Miller Formula (Athletic Build) 🏋️
Developed for a more athletic population. Produces slightly lower weights than Devine or Robinson.
Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet (124 lbs + 3.1 lbs per inch over 5 ft)
Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet (117 lbs + 3.0 lbs per inch over 5 ft)
Example (man, 5'10"): 56.2 + (1.41 × 10) = 56.2 + 14.1 = 70.3 kg (155 lbs)
4. Hamwi Formula (Older Standard) 📜
One of the oldest formulas, developed in 1964 for the insurance industry. Still used in some clinical contexts.
Men: 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet (106 lbs + 6 lbs per inch over 5 ft)
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet (100 lbs + 5 lbs per inch over 5 ft)
Example (man, 5'10"): 48 + (2.7 × 10) = 48 + 27 = 75 kg (165 lbs)
5. BMI-Based Ideal Weight (Healthy Range) 📈
Instead of a single number, BMI gives a healthy weight range. A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is considered normal.
Formula: Weight (kg) = BMI × Height (m)²
For a 5'10" person (1.78 m):
Minimum healthy weight = 18.5 × (1.78)² = 58.5 kg (129 lbs)
Maximum healthy weight = 24.9 × (1.78)² = 78.8 kg (174 lbs)
Ideal weight range = 59–79 kg (129–174 lbs)
Quick Comparison Table (5'10" / 178 cm Male)
| Formula | Weight (kg) | Weight (lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamwi | 75 kg | 165 lbs | Oldest, often highest |
| Devine | 73 kg | 161 lbs | Most common in medicine |
| Robinson | 71 kg | 157 lbs | Modern update |
| Miller | 70.3 kg | 155 lbs | Athletic population |
| BMI Range | 59–79 kg | 129–174 lbs | Broad healthy range |
⚠️ Important Limitations
- These formulas do not account for muscle mass (athletes may weigh more with less body fat)
- They don't consider frame size (small, medium, large bone structure)
- No distinction between different ethnicities (Asian populations may have lower healthy BMI ranges)
- They assume medium frame and average muscle mass
Try Our Ideal Weight Calculator
Compare all major formulas. Enter your height and gender to see Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi, and BMI range results side by side.
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