"Ideal weight" is a range
No single formula gives a definitive answer — different methods can differ by 10 kg or more. We show four classic formulas plus the WHO BMI-based range so you can see the spread.
Formulas used
- Hamwi — Men: 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 ft · Women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 ft
- Devine — Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft · Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft
- Robinson — Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 ft · Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 ft
- Miller — Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 ft · Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 ft
The WHO range is BMI 18.5 to 24.9 converted to weight: 18.5 × height (m)² up to 24.9 × height (m)².
Worked example
A man who is 170 cm tall.
- Convert to inches: 170 ÷ 2.54 = 66.93 in, which is 6.93 in over 5 feet.
- Hamwi: 48 + 2.7 × 6.93 = 66.7 kg.
- Devine: 50 + 2.3 × 6.93 = 65.9 kg.
- Robinson: 52 + 1.9 × 6.93 = 65.2 kg.
- Miller: 56.2 + 1.41 × 6.93 = 66.0 kg.
- WHO range: 1.7² = 2.89, so 18.5 × 2.89 to 24.9 × 2.89 = 53.5 to 72.0 kg.
At this height the four formulas agree closely, around 65–67 kg, and all sit inside the WHO range. For taller people they spread further apart, because for men Hamwi adds weight per inch almost twice as fast as Miller.
Ideal weight chart
| Height | Men (Devine) | Men (Robinson) | Women (Devine) | Women (Robinson) | WHO range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 0 in (152 cm) | 50.0 | 52.0 | 45.5 | 49.0 | 43.0–57.8 |
| 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) | 54.6 | 55.8 | 50.1 | 52.4 | 45.9–61.8 |
| 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) | 59.2 | 59.6 | 54.7 | 55.8 | 48.9–65.8 |
| 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) | 63.8 | 63.4 | 59.3 | 59.2 | 52.0–70.0 |
| 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) | 68.4 | 67.2 | 63.9 | 62.6 | 55.2–74.3 |
| 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) | 73.0 | 71.0 | 68.5 | 66.0 | 58.5–78.7 |
| 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) | 77.6 | 74.8 | 73.1 | 69.4 | 61.9–83.3 |
| 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | 82.2 | 78.6 | 77.7 | 72.8 | 65.4–88.0 |
Important caveats
These formulas were developed for medication dosing, not aesthetic or health targets. They do not account for body composition, muscle mass, age, or frame size. Use them as one reference point, not as a goal.
A muscular person can sit well above every formula and still be healthy. If you are setting a weight goal for medical reasons, agree on it with your doctor. The results here are general estimates, not medical advice.