Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Enter your height and sex to see your ideal weight estimate using the Devine and Hamwi formulas.
Reference: Ideal Weight by Height
| Height | Men (Devine) | Women (Devine) |
|---|---|---|
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 118 lbs / 54 kg | 109 lbs / 49 kg |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 130 lbs / 59 kg | 121 lbs / 55 kg |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 143 lbs / 65 kg | 132 lbs / 60 kg |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 154 lbs / 70 kg | 143 lbs / 65 kg |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 165 lbs / 75 kg | 154 lbs / 70 kg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Devine and Hamwi formulas?
The Devine formula was developed in 1974 by Dr. B.J. Devine for calculating medication dosages. The Hamwi formula was developed in 1964. Both use height to estimate ideal weight: Devine gives 50 kg (men) or 45.5 kg (women) for 5 feet, adding 2.3 kg per inch above 5 feet. Hamwi gives 106 lbs (men) or 100 lbs (women) for 5 feet, adding 6 or 5 lbs per inch respectively.
Are ideal body weight calculators accurate?
These formulas were designed for clinical and pharmacological use, not as fitness targets. They don't account for muscle mass, bone density, ethnicity, or body composition. A highly muscular person may weigh significantly more than their 'ideal' weight while being in excellent health. Use these numbers as a rough reference, not a strict goal.
What's a healthy weight range for my height?
Rather than a single number, most health guidelines use a BMI range of 18.5–24.9 as 'normal weight.' For a 5'10" man, that translates roughly to 129–174 lbs. The Devine formula for the same height gives about 166 lbs — which falls in the middle of the BMI-based range.
Should I use my ideal body weight as a diet goal?
Not necessarily. A more meaningful goal is reducing body fat percentage while maintaining muscle mass. If you are overweight, aiming for 0.5–1 lb/week of loss while doing resistance training produces better health outcomes than chasing a formula-based number.