Last updated: March 2026
Understanding Ideal Weight Formulas
The four formulas used in this calculator were developed between 1964 and 1983 for clinical purposes — originally to estimate drug dosages based on body weight. They share a common structure: a base weight for 5 feet of height, plus an increment per additional inch. The formulas differ in their coefficients, resulting in different estimates.
Ideal body weight formulas were originally developed for drug dosing calculations. The four most common formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi) can differ by 10-15 pounds for the same height.
The Devine formula (1974) is the most widely used in medicine and is the standard for drug dosing calculations. The Robinson (1983) and Miller (1983) formulas were developed as refinements. The Hamwi (1964) formula, the oldest, is still used in some clinical nutrition settings. No single formula is "correct" — using the range across all four gives the most useful estimate.
Limitations of Ideal Weight Calculations
These formulas have significant limitations. They were developed from relatively small, homogeneous populations and don't account for age, ethnicity, muscle mass, or body fat distribution. An athlete with high muscle mass may weigh significantly more than their "ideal" while being in excellent health.
Modern medicine increasingly favors multiple metrics together: BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and metabolic health markers. The ideal weight range from this calculator is a useful reference point, but it should be considered alongside these other measures rather than as an absolute target.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my ideal weight for my height?
Ideal weight depends on height, gender, and body frame. For a 5'10" male with medium frame, the range is approximately 149–173 lbs across four medical formulas. For a 5'5" female, it's approximately 122–141 lbs. Enter your height in the calculator above for your personalized range.
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?
No single formula is universally 'most accurate' — they all estimate based on population averages. The Devine formula (1974) is most commonly used in clinical settings for drug dosing. The Robinson formula (1983) is considered a refinement of Devine. Using the average of all four formulas gives the most balanced estimate.
Does body frame affect ideal weight?
Yes. People with larger bone structures and wider builds naturally weigh more at the same height. Frame size can shift ideal weight by about 10% — a large-framed person's ideal weight is roughly 10% higher than a medium-framed person of the same height. Use the wrist measurement method to determine your frame size.
Is BMI the same as ideal weight?
No, but they're related. BMI categorizes weight status (underweight, normal, overweight) based on a height-to-weight ratio. Ideal weight formulas estimate a specific target weight for a given height and gender. A person at their 'ideal weight' will typically have a BMI between 20 and 25.
What is a healthy weight for a 5'10" male?
Using the four standard formulas for a medium-framed 5'10" male: Devine = 166 lbs, Robinson = 163 lbs, Miller = 160 lbs, Hamwi = 175 lbs. The average is about 166 lbs. For small frame, subtract 10% (~149 lbs). For large frame, add 10% (~183 lbs).
Should I aim for my ideal weight?
These formulas provide a general target, not a medical prescription. Many factors matter more: body fat percentage, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and fitness level. A muscular person may be well above their 'ideal weight' and perfectly healthy. Focus on overall health markers, not just a number on the scale.