Ideal Body Weight Calculator

Calculate your ideal body weight using four established medical formulas: Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi.

Quick Facts

Most Used Formula
Devine (1974)
Standard in clinical settings
Base Height
5 feet (60 inches)
Formulas start from 5'
Frame Adjustment
+/- 10%
For small or large frames
Clinical Uses
Drug dosing, ventilator
Medical calculations

Your Results

Calculated
Average Ideal Body Weight
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Results by Formula

Formula kg lbs

Understanding Ideal Body Weight (IBW)

Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is a weight estimate based on height and gender that has been associated with minimal mortality rates in population studies. IBW is widely used in clinical settings for drug dosing calculations, ventilator settings, and nutritional assessments.

IBW Formulas Used

This calculator uses four established medical formulas:

Devine Formula (1974)

The most commonly used formula in clinical practice:

  • Men: IBW = 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
  • Women: IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet

Robinson Formula (1983)

  • Men: IBW = 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet
  • Women: IBW = 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet

Miller Formula (1983)

  • Men: IBW = 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet
  • Women: IBW = 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet

Hamwi Formula (1964)

  • Men: IBW = 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
  • Women: IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet

Frame Size Adjustments

Body frame size affects ideal weight:

  • Small frame: Subtract 10% from calculated IBW
  • Medium frame: Use calculated IBW as-is
  • Large frame: Add 10% to calculated IBW

To determine your frame size, measure your wrist circumference and compare to standard charts, or use the elbow breadth method.

Clinical Applications

Drug Dosing

Many medications, especially those that are hydrophilic (water-soluble), are dosed based on IBW rather than actual body weight to avoid overdosing in obese patients.

Ventilator Settings

Tidal volume calculations for mechanical ventilation are based on IBW because lung size correlates better with height than with actual weight.

Nutritional Assessment

IBW helps determine appropriate caloric intake and is used to calculate percent IBW, which can indicate nutritional status.

Limitations

  • IBW formulas were developed from insurance mortality data and may not apply to all populations
  • Does not account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition
  • May not be accurate for very short or very tall individuals
  • Different formulas can give varying results

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. IBW is just one measure of health and should be considered alongside other factors such as body composition, fitness level, and overall health status. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are the results?
The Ideal Body Weight applies a standard formula to your inputs — accuracy depends on how precisely you measure those inputs. For planning and estimation, results are reliable. For high-stakes or professional decisions, cross-check the output with a domain expert or primary source.
Is this result a medical diagnosis?
No — this calculator provides a population-based screening metric, not a diagnosis. A result outside the normal range is a prompt to discuss with a healthcare provider, not a medical finding. Individual health depends on many factors beyond what any single number captures.
How should I interpret the Ideal Body Weight output?
The result is a calculated estimate based on the formula and your inputs. Compare it against the reference values or benchmarks shown on this page to understand whether your result is high, low, or typical. For decisions with real consequences, use the output as one data point alongside direct measurement and professional advice.
When should I use a different approach?
Use this calculator for quick, formula-based estimates. If your situation involves multiple interacting variables, time-varying inputs, or safety-critical decisions, consider a dedicated software tool, professional consultation, or direct measurement. Calculators are most reliable within their stated assumptions — check that your scenario matches those assumptions before relying on the output.