Quick answer
What should I weigh for my height?
Your ideal weight depends on height and sex. For a 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) man, the Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi formulas give about 68.7–72.0 kg. For Indians, a healthy BMI of 18.5–22.9 at that height means about 56.7–70.1 kg. Use the range as a guide, not a strict target.
- Devine (men): 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft
- Devine (women): 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft
- Healthy BMI (Asian): 18.5–22.9
What are the ideal body weight formulas?
| Formula | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 50 kg + 2.3 kg/in over 5 ft | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg/in |
| Robinson (1983) | 52 kg + 1.9 kg/in | 49 kg + 1.7 kg/in |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg/in | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg/in |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 kg + 2.7 kg/in | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg/in |
How is ideal weight calculated by height?
Each formula starts with a base weight at 5 feet (152.4 cm) and adds a fixed amount for every inch above that. Men and women have different numbers. Enter your height in cm and choose your sex, and the ideal weight calculator runs all four formulas at once.
Take a man who is 168 cm tall. That is about 66.1 inches, or 6.1 inches over 5 feet. The Devine formula gives 50 + 2.3 × 6.1 = about 64.1 kg. The four formulas together give:
- Robinson: about 63.7 kg
- Devine: about 64.1 kg
- Hamwi: about 64.6 kg
- Miller: about 64.9 kg
So his ideal body weight is about 63.7 to 64.9 kg. The formulas were designed for adults who are 5 feet or taller.
How does ideal weight compare with a healthy BMI range for Indians?
The formulas give a narrow target. A healthy BMI range gives a wider band, and for Indians the Asian cut-off of 18.5 to 22.9 is the better guide. At 168 cm, that band is about 52.2 to 64.6 kg. On the WHO scale it runs up to about 70.3 kg.
For a woman who is 155 cm, the four formulas give about 47.8 to 54.5 kg, and the healthy Asian BMI range is about 44.4 to 55.0 kg.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal weight for my height?
For a man who is 175 cm (5 ft 9 in), the four common formulas give an ideal weight of about 68.7–72.0 kg. The healthy BMI range for Indians at that height is about 56.7–70.1 kg.
Which ideal weight formula is best?
None is perfect. The Devine formula is widely used in medicine to dose drugs; Robinson and Miller were later refinements. Looking at the range across formulas, alongside BMI and waist size, is more useful than any single number.
Do ideal weight formulas work for Indians?
They were developed in Western populations. For Indians, the Asian BMI range of 18.5–22.9 is a better guide to a healthy weight, as health risks rise at a lower BMI.
Does muscle change my ideal weight?
Yes. Muscular people can weigh more than these formulas suggest while being healthy. Body fat percentage is a better measure for athletes.
How do I convert my height to centimetres?
Multiply your height in inches by 2.54. For example, 5 ft 6 in is 66 inches, which is about 167.6 cm.
What is the ideal weight for a woman who is 160 cm?
For a woman who is 160 cm (about 5 ft 3 in), the four formulas give about 52.1–57.2 kg. The healthy Asian BMI range at that height is about 47.4–58.6 kg.