Four classic formulas estimate ideal body weight from height above 5 feet (60 inches) and sex: Devine (1974) men 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch, women 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch; Robinson (1983) men 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch, women 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch; Miller (1983) men 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch, women 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch; Hamwi (1964) men 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch, women 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch. They were designed for drug dosing and clinical estimates, not as a target for everyone, and ignore frame size, muscle and age. The healthy BMI range (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) is the more widely used guide and is shown alongside.
| Height | Male (Devine) | Female (Devine) | Healthy BMI weight range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 50 kg | 46 kg | 43-58 kg (95-127 lb) |
| 5'1" (155 cm) | 52 kg | 48 kg | 44-60 kg (98-132 lb) |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 55 kg | 50 kg | 46-62 kg (101-136 lb) |
| 5'3" (160 cm) | 57 kg | 52 kg | 47-64 kg (104-141 lb) |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 59 kg | 55 kg | 49-66 kg (108-145 lb) |
| 5'5" (165 cm) | 62 kg | 57 kg | 50-68 kg (111-150 lb) |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 64 kg | 59 kg | 52-70 kg (115-154 lb) |
| 5'7" (170 cm) | 66 kg | 62 kg | 54-72 kg (118-159 lb) |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 68 kg | 64 kg | 55-74 kg (122-164 lb) |
| 5'9" (175 cm) | 71 kg | 66 kg | 57-76 kg (125-169 lb) |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 73 kg | 69 kg | 58-79 kg (129-174 lb) |
| 5'11" (180 cm) | 75 kg | 71 kg | 60-81 kg (133-179 lb) |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 78 kg | 73 kg | 62-83 kg (136-184 lb) |
| 6'1" (185 cm) | 80 kg | 75 kg | 64-86 kg (140-189 lb) |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 82 kg | 78 kg | 65-88 kg (144-194 lb) |
| 6'3" (191 cm) | 85 kg | 80 kg | 67-90 kg (148-199 lb) |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | 87 kg | 82 kg | 69-93 kg (152-205 lb) |
| 6'5" (196 cm) | 89 kg | 85 kg | 71-95 kg (156-210 lb) |
| 6'6" (198 cm) | 91 kg | 87 kg | 73-98 kg (160-215 lb) |
By the Devine formula 71 kg (156 lb). The healthy BMI range at 5'9" is about 57-76 kg.
By the Devine formula 55 kg (121 lb). The healthy BMI range at 5'4" is about 49-66 kg.
None is exact. Devine is the most widely cited in medicine; Miller gives slightly lower values for tall people and Hamwi higher ones. The average of all four, or the healthy BMI range, is a more balanced guide.
Not necessarily. Many healthy people are above or below a formula value. Waist size, body fat, fitness and health markers matter as much as the scale.
General information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before starting a new exercise or weight programme, especially if you have a health condition.
See also: heart rate zone calculator · BMI calculator · BMR and calorie calculator · TDEE calculator · body fat calculator · all tools · Calories Burned Calculator · Protein Calculator