Ideal Weight Calculator
Enter your height and sex to see a healthy weight range for your height, plus a classic ideal-weight estimate.
Reviewed by the ToolNestr Editorial Team — July 2026
Enter your height to see your healthy weight range.
About ideal weight
There’s no single "perfect" weight — a healthy weight is a range, not a number. This tool shows the weight range that corresponds to a healthy BMI for your height, plus a classic single-figure estimate for reference. Use it as a guide, not a strict rule. For a fuller picture, check your BMI and body fat percentage.
⚕️ For general information only — not medical advice.
When to use this tool
Use the Ideal Weight Calculator as a reference point when setting weight goals. Personal trainers often use it to help clients understand a realistic target range before starting a programme. It’s also useful during health check-ins — for example, seeing whether your current weight falls within a healthy BMI range for your height is a quick way to gauge overall risk.
Tips for best results
- Treat the healthy range as your guide, not a single number on the scale — body weight fluctuates daily by 1–2 kg due to water and food.
- Combine this tool with the Body Fat Calculator — two people at the same weight can have very different body compositions.
- Re-check your ideal range if your height changes (unlikely in adulthood) or if you’re assessing a growing teenager against age-specific percentiles.
What different weight ranges mean
For each height there is a range of weights considered healthy, plus a single reference point. The bars below show how these relate for a person of average height.
Personal trainer
Set realistic initial weight goals with clients using the healthy BMI range, then refine targets with body composition measurements as they progress.
Goal-setting dieter
Use the healthy weight range as a sensible target zone rather than fixating on a single number that may not suit your individual build.
Health-check individual
Quickly see whether your current weight falls within a healthy BMI range for your height as part of a routine health assessment.
Growing teenager
Get a rough reference point for healthy weight, but remember teen bodies need age-specific percentiles and professional guidance for accurate assessment.
| Height | Healthy range (male) | Healthy range (female) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4'11") | 41.6 – 56.0 kg | 41.6 – 56.0 kg |
| 160 cm (5'3") | 47.4 – 63.7 kg | 47.4 – 63.7 kg |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 53.5 – 72.0 kg | 53.5 – 72.0 kg |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 59.9 – 80.7 kg | 59.9 – 80.7 kg |
| 190 cm (6'3") | 66.7 – 89.8 kg | 66.7 – 89.8 kg |
| 200 cm (6'7") | 74.0 – 99.6 kg | 74.0 – 99.6 kg |
How ideal weight is calculated
This tool provides two reference points: a healthy BMI weight range and a single Devine formula ideal weight. The BMI range uses the standard 18.5–24.9 healthy range applied to your height. The Devine formula is a classic medical reference that gives a single weight target.
Devine formula (metric):
Men: Ideal weight (kg) = 50 + 2.3 × (height in inches over 5 ft)
Women: Ideal weight (kg) = 45.5 + 2.3 × (height in inches over 5 ft)
Healthy BMI range: weight = BMI × height (m)², using BMI = 18.5 for the lower bound and 24.9 for the upper bound. A third formula, the Hamwi method, uses a baseline of 48 kg for 5 ft (men add 2.7 kg per inch, women add 2.3 kg per inch) and gives slightly different numbers.
Worked example
A woman who is 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) tall wants to know her ideal weight references.
How to use the Ideal Weight Calculator
Enter your height
Select metric or imperial units and type in your height. Use a wall marking for accuracy if you're unsure of your exact height.
Select your sex
The Devine formula uses different baselines for men and women (50 kg vs 45.5 kg at 5 feet) to give a sex-specific ideal weight estimate.
Review your range
See the full healthy BMI weight range for your height alongside the Devine formula ideal. Use the range as your guide, not the single number.
Tips for understanding your ideal weight
Think of a range, not a single number
Body weight naturally fluctuates 1–2 kg daily. A healthy range gives you a target zone that accounts for these normal variations.
Pair weight with body composition
Two people at the same weight can look completely different. Use the Body Fat Calculator alongside this tool to understand what your weight is made of.
Don't chase an arbitrary ideal
The Devine formula is a 50-year-old reference, not a mandate. Your best weight is one where you feel energetic, strong and healthy — that might be anywhere in the healthy range.
Frequently asked questions
How is the healthy range worked out?
The healthy range is the weight that gives a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 for your height — the range generally considered healthy for adults.
What is the "ideal weight" figure?
It uses the Devine formula, a classic medical estimate. Treat it as a single reference point within the healthy range, not an exact target.
Why does sex matter?
The Devine ideal-weight formula uses slightly different baselines for men and women.
Is the healthy range the same for everyone regardless of age?
Not exactly. Older adults may benefit from a slightly higher BMI (around 22–27) because a little extra weight can protect against bone loss and frailty.
Can I be healthy outside the healthy weight range?
Yes — BMI-based ranges don’t account for muscle mass, bone density or fat distribution. A muscular person may fall above the range while being very healthy.
What other formulas exist besides Devine?
Common alternatives include the Robinson, Miller and Hamwi formulas, each giving slightly different results. The healthy BMI range is generally more useful than any single-formula number.
How does body frame size affect ideal weight?
People with larger frames (wider wrists, broader shoulders) naturally carry more weight. Some formulas include frame size, but the BMI range is a simpler and well-evidenced alternative.
Does ideal weight change with age?
Body composition shifts with age — muscle decreases and fat may increase. Some experts suggest a slightly higher BMI target (22–27) for older adults to allow for natural changes and provide a health reserve.
How does muscle mass affect ideal weight?
Muscle is denser than fat, so a muscular person may be above the healthy weight range while having very low body fat. This is why body fat percentage is a valuable additional metric.
Is there a difference between ideal weight and goal weight?
Yes. Ideal weight is a general reference based on population data. Goal weight is personal — it depends on your body composition, lifestyle and what weight you feel and perform best at.