How to Calculate Your Ideal Body Weight — 4 Formulas Compared
Why There Are Multiple Ideal Weight Formulas
Different formulas were developed at different times for different purposes. Devine (1974) was created for drug dosing in clinical settings. Hamwi (1964) is used for nutrition planning. Robinson (1983) and Miller (1983) were developed as refinements. Each produces slightly different numbers — the range between them defines a realistic window rather than a single precise target.
The Formulas Side by Side
For a 175 cm male: Hamwi = 48 kg + 2.7 × (175−152.4)/2.54 = ~72.4 kg. Devine = 50 + 2.3 × (175−152.4)/2.54 = ~72.8 kg. Robinson = 52 + 1.9 × (175−152.4)/2.54 = ~69.4 kg. Miller = 56.2 + 1.41 × (175−152.4)/2.54 = ~68.7 kg. The range here is 68–73 kg — that’s the realistic ideal weight window.
What Ideal Weight Actually Means
Ideal body weight is a reference range associated with lowest disease risk at a given height. It is not a target to hit at all costs. Muscle mass, age, and frame size all affect what is ‘ideal’ for any individual. Athletes and those with significant muscle mass will naturally exceed ideal weight calculations without health risk.
Using Ideal Weight Alongside BMI
Check both ideal weight and BMI together for the most useful context. If you’re above ideal weight but BMI is 24 (normal), your muscle mass is likely the reason. If you’re above ideal weight AND BMI is 28+ with high waist circumference, that’s a consistent signal that body fat is elevated.
Frequently Asked Questions
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