Ideal Weight Calculator
Ideal Weight Calculator
Explore a standard adult BMI weight reference and compare three historical “ideal body weight” formulas—without pretending there is one perfect number for everybody.
← Explore all free toolsYour weight reference
The weight interval corresponding to the standard adult BMI “healthy weight” category at your height. It is a screening reference, not a personalized ideal or a prescribed weight-loss target.
Historical formula comparison
These equations produce single reference estimates, originally used in clinical or population-based contexts. They are not personal goal weights. Their values should not be averaged into a supposed ideal range.
What does “ideal body weight” actually mean?
A reference number can be useful, but only when we understand its limits.
BMI is a population screening tool
The commonly used adult BMI category of 18.5 to below 25 translates into a weight interval for a given height. BMI is not a diagnosis and does not evaluate body fat, muscle, or health on its own. Explore what BMI tells you.
Why do the historical formulas disagree?
Devine, Robinson, and Miller use different starting values and height adjustments. Most were developed decades ago for specialized clinical or population reference uses. None can establish your optimal weight.
What about body frame size?
Wrist-wrapping tricks are not a validated way to adjust these formulas into a personalized health target. We’ve removed the arbitrary frame-size adjustment from the original calculator.
What else should you consider?
Waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, muscle mass, activity, medications, and your health history may all affect how an individual result is interpreted.
Common questions
Does the calculator tell me what I should weigh?
No. It shows standardized references, not an individualized medical goal. If you need a target weight for clinical reasons, discuss it with your healthcare professional.
Should I aim for the Devine number?
Not necessarily. The Devine equation has a history in clinical calculations, especially dosing—not as a universal lifestyle or weight-loss goal.
Why is current weight optional?
Height alone is enough to calculate the BMI-derived reference and historical equations. Current weight adds a BMI comparison if you’d like one.
Does age or sex change the BMI range?
Standard adult BMI cutoffs are the same for adults aged 20 and older. The older Devine, Robinson, and Miller equations use sex-based coefficients, which is why the formula selector is separate.
Educational estimate only. These references are not a diagnosis, a target weight, or a substitute for medical advice. Standard adult BMI cutoffs may be less informative for people with higher muscularity, some populations, older adults, and certain medical situations. This calculator is not intended for people under 20 or during pregnancy.
Sources: CDC adult BMI categories · Review of ideal body weight formulas. Calculations happen locally in your browser; this tool does not submit your inputs.