How it is calculated
- The Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi formulas give a base weight plus a step for every inch over 5 ft, with different values for men and women.
- The healthy range is the weight at a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 (WHO classification).
- The big number is the average of the four formulas.
Example: for a man 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) the formulas give 68.7–72 kg (151–159 lb), about 70 kg (154 lb) on average; the healthy BMI range is 57–76 kg (125–168 lb). For a woman 5 ft 5 in (165 cm): about 57.7 kg (127 lb), range 50–68 kg (111–149 lb).
Why several formulas
They were written in the 1960s–80s to dose medicines, not to set a body goal. They differ by a few kilograms, so the range tells you more than any single number.
What they leave out
Muscle, frame, age and where the fat sits. Athletes with a lot of muscle can be well above the formula and perfectly healthy — the body fat calculator says more for them.
Questions and answers
What is the ideal weight for 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)?
About 66 kg (145 lb) for a man and 61 kg (135 lb) for a woman. The healthy BMI range is roughly 53–72 kg (118–159 lb).
Which ideal weight formula is the most accurate?
None is exact; all four are empirical. Devine's is the one used most in medicine; Robinson and Miller give a little less for tall people.
Is it suitable for teenagers?
No. The formulas and the BMI range are for adults; children and teens use the WHO growth charts.
How it is calculated: sources
- Devine BJ. Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intell Clin Pharm. 1974;8:650–655.
- Robinson JD, Lupkiewicz SM, Palenik L et al. Determination of ideal body weight for drug dosage calculations. Am J Hosp Pharm. 1983;40(6):1016–1019.
- Miller DR, Carlson JD, Loyd BJ, Day BJ. Determining ideal body weight (and mass). Am J Hosp Pharm. 1983;40(10):1622–1625.
- Hamwi GJ. Therapy: changing dietary concepts. In: Diabetes Mellitus: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Diabetes Association; 1964:73–78.
- World Health Organization. Body mass index (BMI) classification for adults.
Gymvert gives general information for healthy adults. It is not medical advice. If you have a health condition, are pregnant, or are unsure, talk to a doctor before changing your training or diet.