This Ideal Body Weight Calculator computes the ideal body weight (IBW) based on the human height and gender. To calculate the IBW value choose appropriate measurement units and specify the height either using the slider or inserting its value in the height field of the IBW calculator. Then specify the gender and choose the formula, according to which the calculations will be performed.
Calculating ideal body weight
The very concept of “ideal weight” itself is not strictly objective and is often dictated by the media. Although the ideal body weight is based sometimes on perceived visual appeal, the term IBW was actually introduced to estimate drug dosages for medical use. It turned out that the metabolism of some drugs depends on the IBW rather than on the actual weight of a person.
There are many ways to estimate a human ideal weight. None of them is perfect, because there so many factors influencing it. The main factors are: age, gender, height, body frame size.
Various formulas have been proposed for estimation of the IBW, mainly to facilitate drug dosage calculations. In our ideal weight calculator we use a few most popular of them. The most widely used is the Devine formula. All of the four formulas presented below, have the same format of a base weight in kilograms given a height of 5 feet, with a set weight increment added per every inch over the height of 5 feet.
B. J. Devine Formula
Women: IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per every inch over 5 feet
Men: IBW = 50 kg + 2.3 kg per every inch over 5 feet
G. J. Hamwi Formula
Women: IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per every inch over 5 feet
Men: IBW = 48 kg + 2.7 kg per every inch over 5 feet
D. R. Miller Formula
Women: IBW = 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per every inch over 5 feet
Men: IBW = 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per every inch over 5 feet
J. D. Robinson Formula
Women: IBW = 49 kg + 1.7 kg per every inch over 5 feet
Men: IBW = 52 kg + 1.9 kg per every inch over 5 feet
The last method used in our Ideal Body Weight Calculator is based on the body mass index (BMI) calculations. It is well known that commonly accepted BMI range for normal (healthy) weight in adults is 18.5 to 24.9. Based on this BMI range we calculate the respective healthy weight range. So when this option is selected we actually have a healthy weight calculator rather than an ideal weight calculator.
Related calculators
To perform BMI calculations please check out our BMI Calculator or BMI Calculator for Children.
Disclaimer. Please remember that this online calculator is only one of many ways to assess your weight. In case of any concerns about your weight, please consult your physician to address your specific situation.