Ideal Weight Calculator
The Devine formula estimates ideal body weight in kilograms based on height and gender, widely used in clinical settings for medication dosing and nutritional planning. This calculator provides both kilograms and pounds so you can compare your current weight to the clinically derived target.
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Formula
Male: IBW = 50 + 2.3 × (height_in − 60); Female: IBW = 45.5 + 2.3 × (height_in − 60)
The Devine formula starts from a base weight at 5 feet (60 inches) — 50 kg for males and 45.5 kg for females — and adds 2.3 kg for every inch above that. The result is a single-point estimate used in pharmacokinetics and clinical nutrition rather than a personal fitness target.
How to use the Ideal Weight Calculator
- 1
Enter your height
Value should be in inches.
- 2
Enter your gender
- 3
Read your results instantly
Results update in real time as you type.
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What ideal body weight means
Ideal body weight (IBW) is a clinical estimate, not a cosmetic goal. It was developed in the 1970s to help clinicians dose medications more accurately, since many drugs distribute into lean tissue rather than fat mass. The Devine formula remains the most widely cited version in hospitals and pharmacies. It accounts for height and sex differences in frame size but does not factor in age, ethnicity, or muscle mass. For most healthy adults it provides a reasonable starting reference, though athletes with high lean mass will often exceed it without any health concern.
How to use this result
Compare your current weight to your calculated IBW to understand the gap. A weight within 10% of IBW is generally considered acceptable in clinical contexts. If you are significantly above IBW, gradual weight loss through calorie control and exercise is the evidence-based approach. If you are below IBW, increasing caloric intake with adequate protein supports healthy weight gain. Always discuss significant deviations with a healthcare provider, particularly if you have underlying conditions that affect body composition such as hypothyroidism, PCOS, or chronic illness.
Tips & Insights
Use it as a range, not a fixed target
Clinicians typically accept ±10% around IBW as healthy. Aiming for the exact number is unnecessary; focus on overall health markers like blood pressure, blood glucose, and energy levels.
Muscle mass inflates your weight
If you strength train regularly, your weight may exceed IBW even at low body fat. Body composition measurements like DEXA or the Navy body fat method give a clearer picture than IBW alone.
Pair with BMI for context
IBW and BMI are complementary. Use the BMI calculator alongside this one to see where you fall on both scales and get a fuller clinical picture.
Worked Examples
5'10" male
Ideal weight ≈ 75.0 kg (165.4 lbs)
5'6" female
Ideal weight ≈ 59.4 kg (130.9 lbs)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Devine formula accurate for everyone?
It works best for adults of average build. It tends to underestimate for muscular individuals and overestimate for those with smaller frames.
What if I am under 5 feet tall?
The Devine formula was validated for heights above 5 feet. For shorter individuals, clinical adjustments are made by subtracting 2.3 kg per inch below 60 inches.
Should I aim to reach my IBW?
IBW is a clinical reference, not a mandatory target. Focus on achieving a healthy body composition and good metabolic markers rather than hitting an exact number.
How does IBW differ from BMI?
BMI is a ratio of weight to height squared used for population-level screening, while IBW is a single weight value derived from height alone and used primarily in clinical drug dosing.
Does age affect ideal weight?
The Devine formula does not account for age. Older adults often carry slightly more weight without health detriment, and some geriatric guidelines use modified targets.
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