Ideal Weight Range: Healthy Weight Estimates Based on Height and Age
Find your ideal weight range using multiple methods including BMI, Devine formula, Hamwi formula, and healthy weight charts for men and women.
What Is Ideal Body Weight?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is an estimate of a healthy weight range for a given height. It is not a precise target but a reference point used by healthcare providers to assess whether weight falls in a range associated with lower health risks. No single number defines ideal weight for everyone because body composition, frame size, and muscle mass vary significantly between individuals with the same height.
Multiple formulas have been developed to estimate IBW, each with different assumptions. The most commonly used in clinical settings are the Devine formula and the Hamwi formula, both developed in the 1970s. More modern approaches use BMI-based healthy weight ranges, which account for height but not frame size or muscle mass.
Common Ideal Weight Formulas
The Devine formula was originally developed to calculate medication dosages but became widely used for general weight estimation. The Hamwi formula uses a similar approach with slightly different base weights. Both formulas give a single number for ideal weight, while BMI-based ranges provide a healthy weight interval that is more practical for most people.
Swipe sideways to compare columns.
| Height | Weight Range (lbs) | Weight Range (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 5ft 0in | 95-128 | 43-58 |
| 5ft 4in | 110-140 | 50-64 |
| 5ft 8in | 125-158 | 57-72 |
| 6ft 0in | 140-177 | 64-80 |
| 6ft 4in | 156-197 | 71-89 |
Limitations of Ideal Weight Estimates
Ideal weight formulas have significant limitations. They do not account for frame size, muscle mass, or body composition. A muscular athlete may exceed the ideal weight range while having very low body fat, while a sedentary person may fall within the range but have unhealthy body composition. The formulas also differ for different ethnic populations, as body composition norms vary across populations. For individual guidance, body fat percentage and waist circumference are more informative than weight alone.
Does age affect ideal weight?
Traditional formulas do not adjust for age, but body composition changes with age. Older adults typically have less muscle mass and more body fat than younger adults at the same weight. Some guidelines suggest a slightly higher BMI range (up to 27) may be healthier for adults over 65, providing reserves for illness recovery.
Should I use ideal weight or BMI to set a goal?
Use the healthy BMI range (18.5-24.9) as a starting reference, but consider body fat percentage and waist circumference for a more complete picture. A waist circumference over 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women may indicate increased health risk even if BMI is in the normal range.