Ideal Weight Calculator
Find your ideal body weight based on height, gender, and frame size using multiple proven formulas.
Last updated: June 2026
Example: Female, 5'6", Medium Frame, Age 30
Inputs
Results
What This Means
→ This example shows ideal weight estimates for a 5'6" woman of medium build. Different formulas give slightly different ranges.
→ The ranges show why "ideal weight" isn't a single number—estimates vary from 108 lbs to 159 lbs depending on the formula and assumptions.
→ For this person, a healthy weight is probably somewhere in the 120–150 lb range, depending on muscle mass, fitness level, and frame size.
→ The actual "ideal" weight for this individual depends on personal health markers (blood pressure, fitness, energy levels) and how they feel. A very muscular woman at 155 lbs could be healthier than someone at 120 lbs with high body fat.
Our calculators are built using established financial and scientific formulas. Finance tools follow standard amortization and compound interest principles. Health tools use WHO and NIH reference standards.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Learn more about our methodology →About the Ideal Weight Calculator
What Is Ideal Weight?
Ideal weight is an estimated range of healthy body weight for a given height, age, and frame size. Several formulas estimate ideal weight differently—there's no single "correct" number. This calculator provides multiple estimates, as research shows different formulas work better for different people.
Why "Ideal Weight" Is Complicated
There's no universally agreed-upon ideal weight because:
- Genetics: People naturally carry weight differently due to bone structure, muscle mass potential, and genetic factors
- Muscle vs. fat: Two people at the same weight can look and be healthier at different body compositions
- Age: Healthy weight ranges may shift with age
- Individual health: The "ideal" weight depends on personal health conditions, fitness level, and goals
This calculator should be one data point, not gospel truth.
Common Ideal Weight Formulas
Devine Formula (1974):
- Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5'0"
- Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5'0"
Hamwi Formula (1964): Similar to Devine, still used frequently
BMI Method: Weight range corresponding to BMI 18.5–24.9 for your height
Body Frame Method: Adjusts ideal weight up or down based on frame size (small, medium, large)
No formula is perfect. They provide ranges, not exact numbers.
What You Should Actually Focus On
- How you feel: Energy levels, strength, endurance matter more than a number
- Health markers: Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, fitness
- Body composition: Muscle-to-fat ratio is more important than total weight
- Consistency: Sustainable lifestyle beats chasing a specific weight
- Relative progress: How you're progressing matters more than an absolute number
Two people at the same "ideal weight" can have completely different health profiles based on fitness and body composition.
Frame Size and Weight
Frame size significantly affects ideal weight. A large-framed person naturally weighs more than a small-framed person at the same height—and that's healthy.
How to estimate frame size:
- Wrap your thumb and middle finger around your wrist
- If they don't touch = large frame
- If they just touch = medium frame
- If they overlap = small frame
A more accurate method involves measuring wrist circumference or consulting a health professional.
Age Considerations
Some research suggests healthy weight ranges slightly increase with age (especially for people 65+), though this is debated. Older adults often benefit from having slightly higher weight due to natural muscle loss and bone density changes. This isn't about excess fat—it's about maintaining adequate muscle and strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Ideal weight is a range, not a number. Different formulas produce different results, and individual factors (fitness, muscle mass, genetics) mean the "ideal" for you might differ from these calculations. Use this as a rough guide, not a strict target.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your height in feet and inches, or use metric centimeters.
- 2Select your biological sex (formulas are slightly different).
- 3Estimate your body frame size—small, medium, or large.
- 4Enter your current age.
- 5Click "Calculate Ideal Weight" to see estimates from multiple formulas.
- 6Remember these are estimates. Your actual ideal weight depends on fitness, muscle mass, health markers, and how you feel.