Ideal Weight Calculator

What "ideal weight" really means

This calculator uses the Devine formula, a classic clinical rule of thumb first published in 1974. It estimates an ideal body weight from just two things: your sex and your height. For men it starts at 50 kg for the first 5 feet of height and adds 2.3 kg for every inch above that. For women it starts at 45.5 kg and adds the same 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. We show the answer in both kilograms and pounds so you can use whichever you prefer.

Why it does not use your current weight

The Devine formula is a target, not a measurement of where you are today. It was designed to give clinicians a quick reference point & is still widely used for tasks like medication dosing. Because it depends only on height, two people the same height get the same number regardless of build, muscle mass, or frame size, so treat it as a ballpark rather than a precise personal goal. These results are estimates for general information, not medical or professional advice — talk to a doctor before acting on them.

How to use it

1. Choose your sex from the dropdown.
2. Enter your height in feet and inches.
3. Read your estimated ideal weight instantly in kg and lb — it updates as you type.

FAQ

Is a higher or lower number better?

Neither. The figure is a single reference point, not a pass/fail line. A healthy range spans several kilograms around it.

What if I am under 5 feet tall?

The formula has no inches to add, so it returns the base value (50 kg for men, 45.5 kg for women).

How is this different from BMI?

BMI compares your actual weight to your height. Devine ignores your current weight and simply outputs a target weight from height alone.

Does it account for muscle or frame size?

No. Athletes and large-framed people may sit well above the estimate and still be perfectly healthy.