5 ft 4 in female
Common formula estimates cluster around 53-58 kg (117-128 lb), while the adult healthy BMI range for this height is about 49-66 kg (108-145 lb).
162.6 cm
Ideal Weight Calculator: Healthy Weight Range by Height and Sex
Inputs
For adults only. Results are educational estimates, not medical advice or a diagnosis.
Under 18? The calculator will explain why adult IBW formulas do not apply.
Use wrist size as a guide, or leave this at medium.
Adult formulas work best for typical adult heights.
Optional current weight is used only to calculate BMI context for the height entered.
Wrist-size frame guide
| Sex and height | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female, under 5 ft 2 in | < 14.0 cm | 14.0-14.6 cm | > 14.6 cm |
| Female, 5 ft 2 in to 5 ft 5 in | < 15.2 cm | 15.2-15.9 cm | > 15.9 cm |
| Female, over 5 ft 5 in | < 15.9 cm | 15.9-16.5 cm | > 16.5 cm |
| Male, over 5 ft 5 in | 14.0-16.5 cm | 16.5-19.1 cm | > 19.1 cm |
Frame adjustments are approximate. Wrist circumference is only a rough proxy for skeletal build.
Advanced options
Broca has multiple conventions; pick the one you prefer.
Example results will appear here.
About These Results
This tool combines classic ideal body weight (IBW) equations with the adult healthy BMI range for the height you enter. The formula span and midpoint are meant to show a reasonable estimate zone, not a single required weight.
Formulas
| Formula | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Broca (classic) | IBW = height(cm) − 100 | |
| Broca (modified) | 0.9 × (height(cm) − 100) | 0.85 × (height(cm) − 100) |
| Devine (1974) | 50.0 kg + 2.3 × (inches over 5 ft) | 45.5 kg + 2.3 × (inches over 5 ft) |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48.0 kg + 2.7 × (inches over 5 ft) | 45.5 kg + 2.2 × (inches over 5 ft) |
| Robinson (1983) | 52.0 kg + 1.9 × (inches over 5 ft) | 49.0 kg + 1.7 × (inches over 5 ft) |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 kg + 1.41 × (inches over 5 ft) | 53.1 kg + 1.36 × (inches over 5 ft) |
| Lorentz | height(cm) - 100 - ((height(cm) - 150) / 4) | height(cm) - 100 - ((height(cm) - 150) / 2.5) |
| Peterson | 2.2 × target BMI + 3.5 × target BMI × (height(m) - 1.5), using target BMI 22 | |
Optional frame size applies a -10% or +10% nudge to formula estimates. The healthy BMI range uses adult BMI 18.5-24.9 and is not frame-adjusted.
Adult BMI Context
- Healthy BMI range here means the adult BMI category from 18.5 to 24.9.
- If you enter current weight, the tool shows your BMI and whether it is below, within, or above that adult range.
- For people under 18, BMI is interpreted with age- and sex-specific percentiles instead of adult cutoffs.
- We don’t upload, store, or track your entries.
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Understanding Ideal Body Weight (IBW) Formulas
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) formulas are simple, height-based equations that estimate a “typical” body weight for adults. They were created for quick, population-level planning—think drug dosing ranges, nutrition references, or equipment sizing—rather than judging individual health. Your real-world healthy weight can sit above or below these numbers, especially if you have higher muscle mass, unique body proportions, or specific health considerations.
Why multiple formulas?
Different researchers proposed different starting points and per-inch adjustments. Broca is the oldest and most minimal (height in centimeters minus 100), sometimes “modified” with a small multiplier. Devine, Hamwi, Robinson, and Miller anchor at 5 feet (152.4 cm) and add a set amount per inch above that. Lorentz uses height in centimeters, and Peterson estimates a target-BMI weight. The span is usually more useful than any single number.
Frame size and body composition
Some references suggest a light frame-size adjustment (about ±10%). This acknowledges that two people of the same height can have different skeletal builds. Even so, body composition (muscle vs. fat), bone density, and distribution of weight matter far more for health than a single scale number. Athletes, strength trainees, and many others commonly fall outside IBW estimates while being perfectly healthy.
Metric and imperial: quick notes
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 kg ≈ 2.2046 lb.
- Devine, Hamwi, Robinson, and Miller use “inches over 5 ft.” This calculator caps that adjustment at zero for shorter heights.
- Broca uses centimeters directly, which makes it easy to compare when you only know height in cm.
How to use these results
- Treat IBW as a starting point for goal-setting, clothing or equipment sizing, or nutrition discussions—not as a pass/fail test.
- Compare multiple formulas and look at the span and midpoint rather than fixating on a single value.
- Pair IBW with other indicators (strength, stamina, labs, how you feel day-to-day). Numbers are only one part of the picture.
Limitations & friendly reminders
- These formulas are intended for adults. They aren’t designed for children, pregnancy, or specific medical conditions.
- They do not measure fat-free mass, fat mass, or fat distribution.
- They reflect averages from specific populations and time periods. Human diversity is wider than any single equation.
This tool is for education and general planning. It does not provide medical advice. If you’re considering a weight-related change, your personal context—and a conversation with a qualified professional—matters most.
What’s next?
Curious how energy needs relate to your goals? Try our BMR Calculator and Calorie (TDEE) Calculator to estimate maintenance and target calories. All tools are private by design—calculations run in your browser.
Practical Worked Examples
5 ft 10 in male
Devine, Hamwi, Robinson, Miller, Lorentz, modified Broca, and Peterson land around 70-75 kg (154-165 lb). The healthy BMI range is about 58.5-78.7 kg (129-174 lb).
177.8 cm
183 cm male
Formula estimates commonly sit near 73-83 kg (161-183 lb), depending on the method. The adult healthy BMI range is about 61.9-83.4 kg (136-184 lb).
6 ft 0 in
Sources and Method
Last updated: June 30, 2026. This calculator is for general education and planning. It does not diagnose health status, set treatment goals, or replace advice from a qualified clinician.
- IBW formulas: Broca, Devine (1974), Hamwi (1964), Robinson (1983), Miller (1983), Lorentz, and Peterson target-BMI equation as commonly published in clinical calculator references.
- Healthy BMI range: adult BMI 18.5-24.9, using BMI = weight(kg) / height(m)2. See CDC adult BMI categories.
- Children and teens: BMI is interpreted by age- and sex-specific percentiles. See CDC child and teen BMI categories.
- Peterson method reference: Peterson CM, Thomas DM, Blackburn GL, Heymsfield SB, “Universal equation for estimating ideal body weight and body weight at any BMI.”
- Frame-size guidance: wrist circumference tables are used only as a rough guide for the optional +/-10% adjustment.
Ideal Weight Calculator FAQs
Which ideal weight formula is best?
No single formula is best for every adult. Devine, Hamwi, Robinson, Miller, Lorentz, Broca, and Peterson use different assumptions, so compare the span and midpoint instead of treating one result as exact.
How do I calculate ideal body weight in pounds?
Most IBW equations return kilograms. Convert kg to pounds by multiplying by 2.2046. This calculator does that automatically and can show pounds first if you choose “lb (with kg).”
What is the ideal weight for a woman or man by height?
Enter height and sex in the calculator to see sex-specific formula estimates and the BMI-based healthy weight range for that height. The result is a reference range, not a required weight.
Is ideal body weight the same as BMI?
No. IBW formulas estimate a reference weight from height and sometimes sex. BMI compares weight with height. This calculator shows both because they answer related but different questions.
Does this apply to children or pregnancy?
No. Adult IBW formulas are not designed for children, teens, or pregnancy. Children and teens are usually assessed with BMI percentiles by age and sex; pregnancy weight guidance depends on pre-pregnancy BMI and clinical context.
Why do formulas give different results?
They were developed from different rules, populations, and use cases. The differences are expected, which is why the result block shows each estimate, a formula span, a midpoint, and the healthy BMI range.