How to Calculate Your Ideal Weight
Quick Answer
BMI-based ideal weight range (BMI 18.5 to 24.9): Ideal weight = target BMI × height² (in metres)
Example: Person 170 cm tall (1.70 m).
Lower ideal weight = 18.5 × (1.70)² = 18.5 × 2.89 = 53.5 kg
Upper ideal weight = 24.9 × (1.70)² = 24.9 × 2.89 = 71.9 kg
Ideal weight range for 170 cm: 53.5 to 71.9 kg
Devine formula (widely used medically):
Men: IBW = 50 + 2.3 × (height in inches - 60)
Women: IBW = 45.5 + 2.3 × (height in inches - 60)
Use the free Ideal Weight Calculator on CalConvs for an instant result.
Ideal Weight Table: Men (by Height)
| Height | BMI-Based Ideal Weight Range | Devine Formula IBW |
|---|---|---|
| 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) | 47.4 to 63.7 kg | 57.5 kg |
| 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) | 50.4 to 67.8 kg | 62.3 kg |
| 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) | 53.5 to 71.9 kg | 67.1 kg |
| 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) | 56.7 to 76.3 kg | 71.9 kg |
| 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) | 59.9 to 80.7 kg | 76.7 kg |
| 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) | 62.0 to 83.4 kg | 79.2 kg |
| 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) | 65.3 to 87.9 kg | 84.0 kg |
Ideal Weight Table: Women (by Height)
| Height | BMI-Based Ideal Weight Range | Devine Formula IBW |
|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4 ft 11 in) | 41.6 to 56.0 kg | 45.5 kg |
| 155 cm (5 ft 1 in) | 44.4 to 59.8 kg | 50.1 kg |
| 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) | 47.4 to 63.7 kg | 54.7 kg |
| 163 cm (5 ft 4 in) | 49.2 to 66.2 kg | 57.2 kg |
| 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) | 50.4 to 67.8 kg | 59.5 kg |
| 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) | 53.5 to 71.9 kg | 64.3 kg |
| 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) | 55.4 to 74.5 kg | 66.8 kg |
| 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) | 58.6 to 78.8 kg | 71.6 kg |
Why Ideal Weight Is Not the Same for Everyone
Ideal weight formulas do not account for muscle mass, bone density, age or ethnicity. A very muscular person may weigh above the ideal range while having excellent body composition. For a more nuanced view, use the Body Fat Calculator alongside the Ideal Weight Calculator. For South Asian adults, the healthy BMI range may start at a lower threshold (18.0 to 22.9 per ICMR guidelines), which shifts the ideal weight range slightly downward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal weight for a 5 ft 4 in woman?
For a woman who is 5 ft 4 in (163 cm), the BMI-based ideal weight range is approximately 49 to 66 kg (108 to 145 lbs). The Devine formula gives a single estimate of 57.2 kg (126 lbs).
Is there an ideal weight for every height?
Yes. Use the tables above or enter your height directly into the Ideal Weight Calculator on CalConvs to get both the BMI-based range and formula-based estimates.
How do I know if I am a healthy weight?
Calculate your BMI using the BMI Calculator. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is the healthy range for most adults. Complement this with waist measurement and overall fitness level for a more complete picture.
Related Tools
- Ideal Weight Calculator: instant IBW by height for men and women
- BMI Calculator: current weight classification
- Body Fat Calculator: composition beyond just the scale