Ideal Weight Calculator
Ideal weight calculator: ideal body weight in pounds from your height, using the Devine formula.
Editorial review: Farrow (pseudonym; identity and professional credentials are not disclosed). This page is for educational purposes, not professional advice.
Your inputs
Results update as you type. Nothing you enter leaves your device.
Results
- In kilograms
- 70.7 kg
Example with the starting values
These results use the calculator's initial inputs. Change the values above to calculate your own estimate.
Inputs
- Sex
- Male
- Height (feet)
- 5 ft
- Height (inches)
- 9 in
Results
- Ideal weight
- 156 lb
- In kilograms
- 70.7 kg
How does the Ideal Weight Calculator work?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is a reference weight for a given height and sex, first created for medication dosing. The Devine formula is 50 kg for men or 45.5 kg for women, plus 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
The result is converted to pounds (1 kg = 2.2046 lb). For example, a man who is 5 ft 9 in gets 50 + 2.3 × 9 = 70.7 kg, or about 156 lb.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal weight for my height?
By the Devine formula, a 5 ft 9 in man's ideal weight is about 156 lb and a 5 ft 4 in woman's is about 121 lb. A healthy BMI range covers a wider band around these values.
How do I calculate ideal body weight?
Start with 50 kg (men) or 45.5 kg (women) and add 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. A 5 ft 6 in woman gets 45.5 + 2.3 × 6 = 59.3 kg, about 131 lb.
Is ideal body weight accurate for people under 5 feet?
Less so. The Devine formula was designed for heights of 5 feet and over, so results below that are less reliable. Use BMI or a doctor's guidance instead.
Why is it called ideal body weight?
The formula was created for medication dosing. It is a reference point, not a target everyone should hit.