Ideal Weight Converter
Free Ideal weight Converter for human metrics units. Enter a value to see equivalent measurements across systems. Get results you can export or share.
Reviewed by Manoj Kumar, Mathematics Educator
Formula
Devine(M): 50 + 2.3(in over 60) | Devine(F): 45.5 + 2.3(in over 60) | Frame: small x0.9, large x1.1
Ideal body weight formulas use height in inches above 60 inches (5 feet) as the base. Each formula applies a different per-inch increment. Gender determines the base weight. Frame size adjusts the result by plus or minus 10%. The BMI-based method uses 21.75 as the midpoint of the healthy BMI range.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Average Male Ideal Weight
Problem:Calculate ideal weight for a 5 ft 10 in (177.8 cm) male with medium frame.
Solution:Inches over 60: 70 - 60 = 10\nDevine: 50 + 2.3(10) = 73 kg (160.94 lb)\nRobinson: 52 + 1.9(10) = 71 kg (156.53 lb)\nMiller: 56.2 + 1.41(10) = 70.3 kg (154.98 lb)\nHamwi: 48 + 2.7(10) = 75 kg (165.35 lb)\nBMI: 21.75 x 1.778^2 = 68.74 kg (151.55 lb)
Result:Average ideal weight: approximately 71.6 kg (157.9 lb)
Example 2: Small Frame Female
Problem:Calculate ideal weight for a 165 cm female with small frame.
Solution:Height in inches: 165 / 2.54 = 64.96 in\nInches over 60: 4.96\nDevine: (45.5 + 2.3 x 4.96) x 0.9 = 51.12 kg\nFrame adjustment: multiply by 0.9 for small frame
Result:Average ideal weight (small frame): approximately 51-55 kg (112-121 lb)
Frequently Asked Questions
What formulas are used to calculate ideal body weight?
This converter uses five well-known formulas: Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), Miller (1983), Hamwi (1964), and a BMI-based method. Each uses height and gender to estimate ideal weight, with the base being weight at 5 feet (60 inches) plus an increment per inch above that. The Devine formula is the most widely used in clinical settings, particularly for drug dosing calculations. Results vary between formulas because each was derived from different population studies and methodologies.
How does body frame size affect ideal weight?
Body frame size adjusts the ideal weight estimate by approximately 10% in either direction. A small frame reduces the estimate by 10%, while a large frame increases it by 10%. You can estimate your frame size by wrapping your thumb and index finger around your wrist. If they overlap you have a small frame, if they just touch it is medium, and if there is a gap it is a large frame. The Metropolitan Life Insurance tables from 1983 were among the first to incorporate frame size into ideal weight charts.
Is ideal body weight the same as healthy weight?
Ideal body weight formulas provide estimates based primarily on height and gender, but healthy weight depends on many additional factors including age, muscle mass, bone density, body composition, and overall health. A bodybuilder may weigh well above their calculated ideal weight yet be perfectly healthy. The BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 is generally considered healthy, but individual assessment by a healthcare provider is more reliable than any single formula.
How do I convert ideal weight between kilograms and pounds?
To convert kilograms to pounds, multiply by 2.20462. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.20462 or multiply by 0.453592. For example, an ideal weight of 70 kg equals 154.32 pounds. This converter automatically displays results in both units so you can use whichever measurement system you prefer. In medical contexts, kilograms are standard worldwide for drug dosing and clinical calculations.
References
Reviewed by Manoj Kumar, Mathematics Educator · Editorial policy