Health & Fitness 2026-05-03 4 min read By Konvertibly Team

Ideal Weight Calculator: What Is a Healthy Weight for Your Height?

Compare five different ideal weight formulas — Hamwi, Devine, Robinson, Miller, and BMI-based — and understand which is most appropriate for you.

Ideal Weight: Five Formulas and What They Tell You

There is no single universally agreed "ideal weight." Multiple formulas exist, each developed for different clinical purposes. Comparing them reveals a useful range rather than one fixed target.

The Five Main Formulas (for height in cm)

Hamwi (1964, widely used in clinical nutrition):

Men:   48.0 kg + 2.7 kg per cm over 152 cm
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per cm over 152 cm

Devine (1974, used in pharmacology):

Men:   50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per cm over 152 cm
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per cm over 152 cm

Robinson (1983):

Men:   52 kg + 1.9 kg per cm over 152 cm
Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per cm over 152 cm

BMI-based (22.5 mid-range):

Ideal weight (kg) = 22.5 × height² (m)

Example: Man 178 cm

Hamwi: 48 + (2.7 × 26) = 118.2 kg ← note: designed for shorter reference heights
BMI-based: 22.5 × 1.78² = 71.3 kg
Devine: 50 + (2.3 × 26) = 109.8 kg

The Practical Takeaway

These formulas give a reference range, not a precise target. Body frame, muscle mass, age, and individual health history all matter. Use ideal weight as one data point alongside BMI, body fat percentage, and your GP's assessment.

Check your BMI and healthy range: Free BMI Calculator