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What does this calculator estimate?
A 5-foot-10-inch (70 in) male has a Devine ideal weight of 50.0 + 2.3 x 10 = 73 kg (161 lb), and a healthy BMI range of about 58-79 kg (128-174 lb). The tool reports the BMI range plus classic adult formulas.
- Healthy BMI runs 18.5-24.9 (NHLBI).
- Devine male formula: 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet.
- Ideal-weight formulas are estimates; body composition matters more than the scale.
What ideal weight formulas are
Healthy body weight is commonly framed by BMI: the healthy range is 18.5–24.9, computed from height alone. Classic formulas (Hamwi, Devine, Robinson, Miller) add sex-specific constants to estimate an 'ideal' weight — used historically for drug dosing and clinical reference.
Limitations to watch for
These formulas are population-level references — they ignore body composition, frame size, and muscle mass, so an athlete can be 'overweight' by BMI while lean. They're not diagnostic or a weight-loss target. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
How to use it in practice
Use the healthy BMI range as a general reference and the formulas as historical comparisons. Focus on trends and healthy habits rather than chasing a single number. If you're planning significant weight change, work with a provider.
['Enter your height (US ft/in or metric).', 'Select your sex for the formula estimates.', 'The tool shows the healthy BMI range and all formula values.']
How ideal weight is estimated
Common formulas estimate a healthy weight range from height: the Devine formula gives 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet for men (45.5 for women). The calculator returns the formula estimate and a healthy BMI range.
The BMI range view
A healthy BMI runs 18.5–24.9: for a 5 ft 9 in adult, that's roughly 125–170 lb. The range is broader and more useful than a single formula number. The calculator shows both.
What the formulas miss
Body composition is the real variable: muscle weighs more than fat, so a fit athlete can exceed a formula 'ideal' while healthy. The formulas are population screens, not personal prescriptions.
A worked example
A 5 ft 10 in adult: Devine male estimate ≈ 73 kg (161 lb); BMI healthy range ≈ 129–174 lb. The calculator returns the formula number and the range so the target is a zone, not a single scary digit.
Use it as context
Ideal-weight estimates inform but do not decide: health markers, activity, and body composition matter more. The calculator is a starting reference; a clinician's assessment is the real answer.
How this calculator works
Formula
The tool reports the healthy BMI weight range (18.5–24.9 × height²) plus classic adult formulas in kg: Hamwi (male 48.0 + 2.7×in-over-60; female 45.5 + 2.2×in-over-60), Devine (male 50.0 + 2.3×in-over-60; female 45.5 + 2.3×in-over-60), Robinson (male 52.0 + 1.9×; female 49.0 + 1.7×), Miller (male 56.2 + 1.41×; female 53.1 + 1.36×), Broca (cm − 100), Lorentz ((cm − 100) − (cm − 150) ÷ (4 male / 2 female)), Peterson (2.2×targetBMI + 3.5×targetBMI×(heightM − 1.5)).
Worked example
A 5'10" (70 in, 177.8 cm) male: Devine ideal weight = 50.0 + 2.3×10 = 73 kg (161 lb); healthy BMI range = 18.5–24.9 × 1.778² ≈ 58–79 kg (128–174 lb).
Assumptions to verify
- Height and sex are entered correctly.
- The formulas are population reference standards.
- Results are estimates, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy weight for my height?
The healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) corresponds to a weight range for your height. For 5'10", that's roughly 128–174 lb (58–79 kg).
What is the Devine formula?
Ideal weight = 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft for men; 45.5 + 2.3 per inch over 5 ft for women. Originally developed for drug dosing.
Why do the formulas give different numbers?
Each formula (Hamwi, Devine, Robinson, Miller, Broca, Lorentz) was derived from different populations and eras. The tool shows them all so you can see the range.
Is BMI an accurate health measure?
It's a useful screening tool but ignores muscle mass and body composition. A muscular person can have a high BMI with low body fat.
What is a normal BMI?
18.5–24.9 is the healthy range. Below 18.5 is underweight; 25–29.9 overweight; 30+ obese. The tool shows the weight range for the healthy BMI band.
Can I use this to set a weight-loss goal?
Use it as a reference, but body composition and health markers matter more than a single formula number. A provider can help set a realistic target.
Does the tool account for muscle mass?
No — these are height-and-sex formulas only. Muscle mass, frame size, and body fat aren't modeled.
How is ideal weight calculated?
Formulas like Devine estimate from height; a BMI range of 18.5–24.9 is the broader healthy zone.
What is a healthy BMI?
18.5–24.9 for most adults.
Why does the formula not fit athletes?
Muscle mass raises weight without raising health risk — composition matters.
Is ideal weight a prescription?
No — it is a population screen; individual health needs clinical context.
Cite this tool
BoringToolsKit. “Ideal Weight Calculator.” boringtoolskit.com/ideal-weight-calculator/ (reviewed 2026-08-25). Free to reference in articles, syllabi, and answer posts with a link.
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