How is ideal weight calculated?
Several classic formulas estimate ideal body weight from height and gender. They were originally created for medication dosing, so they're useful reference points rather than absolute goals:
- 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, Miller, Hamwi: slight variations on the same idea
We also show the range that corresponds to a healthy BMI of 18.5–24.9, which is the most widely used definition of a healthy weight.
Which number should I aim for?
Use the healthy BMI range as your main guide, and treat the formula values as a sanity check. Where you feel strong and energetic within that range matters more than any single figure.