Ideal Weight Calculator
Results
| Method | Ideal Weight (kg) | Ideal Weight (lbs) | Notes |
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Charts
What is Ideal Body Weight?
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is a weight range that is considered healthy for a person's height. It's not a single magic number, but a guideline. Since people have different body frames, muscle mass, and compositions, multiple formulas have been developed over the years to provide an estimate. This calculator uses several popular scientific formulas to give you a comprehensive picture.
Using a range, like the one derived from the Body Mass Index (BMI), is often more practical than targeting a single number. The key is to find a weight where you feel strong, energetic, and healthy.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter Your Details: Fill in your gender and height. Age, current weight, and wrist circumference are optional but provide more personalized results.
- Select Units: Choose between metric (cm) or imperial (ft, in) for your height.
- Determine Frame Size: You can either enter your wrist circumference for an automatic calculation or manually select your estimated frame size (small, medium, large).
- Choose Formulas: By default, all common formulas are selected. You can deselect any you don't wish to see.
- Calculate: Hit the "Calculate" button to see your results, including a summary, a detailed comparison table, and visual charts.
Tips to Reach a Healthy Weight
- Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
- Portion Control: Be mindful of serving sizes. Using smaller plates can help.
- Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (like brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise (like running) per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger.
- Get Enough Sleep: Poor sleep can affect hormones that regulate appetite. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
- Be Consistent and Patient: Healthy weight loss or gain is a gradual process. Focus on making sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single 'best' formula. Each formula (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi) was developed using different population data. The healthy BMI range (18.5-24.9) provides a broad, widely accepted healthy weight range for your height. We recommend considering the average of the formulas as a reasonable estimate and the BMI range as your healthy weight goal.
Body frame size (small, medium, large) accounts for differences in bone structure and muscle mass. A person with a larger frame will naturally have a higher ideal weight than someone with a smaller frame at the same height. This calculator can automatically determine your frame size using wrist circumference or you can select it manually. It then adjusts the calculated ideal weight, typically by about 5-10%.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a useful screening tool for the general population. It provides a healthy weight *range* rather than a single number. However, it doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Therefore, it may misclassify muscular individuals (like athletes) as overweight. For most people, aiming for a weight within the healthy BMI range is a good goal.
Since different formulas give slightly different results, it's best to look at them as a cluster of estimates. A good approach is to take the average of the formula-based results or aim for a weight in the middle of your healthy BMI range. Use the 'Aim Lower/Upper' setting in our calculator to see a suggested target based on this principle.
Yes, athletes often have a higher muscle mass, which is denser than fat. Standard ideal weight formulas and BMI may not be accurate for them. Athletes might have a BMI in the 'overweight' category but be perfectly healthy. They should consult with a sports physician or dietitian for a personalized assessment using methods like body fat percentage.
For consistency, it's best to weigh yourself once a week, in the morning, after using the restroom, and before eating or drinking. Daily fluctuations are normal and can be misleading, so a weekly check-in provides a better trend over time.
