Health tool
Body Weight Calculator
Estimate adult ideal body weight from height using Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas, then compare the result with a BMI-based healthy weight range. This tool is useful for quick education, fitness planning, and informed conversations with clinicians.
Result
Estimated Body Weight
Adult estimate
Formula average
62.2 kg
Average of Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi estimates.
Healthy BMI Range
53.5 kg-72.0 kg
Height
170 cm
Formulas
Comparison
Female
Devine
Often used in clinical dosing references.
61.4 kg
Robinson
A slightly lower modern adult estimate.
60.8 kg
Miller
A moderate adult estimate from height.
62.5 kg
Hamwi
A traditional frame-size screening formula.
64.2 kg
Guide
What Is Body Weight?
Body weight is the total mass of the body, usually measured in kilograms or pounds. A healthy body weight is broader than one number: it depends on height, body composition, age, sex, genetics, lifestyle, and medical context.
Healthcare professionals assess body weight because changes in weight can help guide nutrition, fitness, medication dosing, and general health discussions. This calculator gives adult reference estimates, not a personalized diagnosis.
Method
How the Calculator Works
Formulas
Body Weight Formulas Used
| Formula | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Devine | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg x inches over 5 ft | 50 kg + 2.3 kg x inches over 5 ft |
| Robinson | 49 kg + 1.7 kg x inches over 5 ft | 52 kg + 1.7 kg x inches over 5 ft |
| Miller | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg x inches over 5 ft | 56.2 kg + 1.36 kg x inches over 5 ft |
| Hamwi | 45.5 kg + 2.7 kg x inches over 5 ft | 48 kg + 2.7 kg x inches over 5 ft |
In each equation, inches over 5 ft means total height in inches minus 60, with a minimum of zero. Metric height is converted to inches before formulas are applied.
The healthy range shown by the calculator uses BMI 18.5 to 24.9 multiplied by height in meters squared, then converts the range to pounds when U.S. units are selected.
Example
Example Calculation
Example inputs: female, 170 cm tall. The calculator converts 170 cm to 66.93 in.
- Inches over 5 ft: 66.93 - 60 = 6.93.
- Devine: 45.5 + 2.3 x 6.93 = 61.4 kg.
- Robinson: 49 + 1.7 x 6.93 = 60.8 kg.
- Miller: 53.1 + 1.36 x 6.93 = 62.5 kg.
- Hamwi: 45.5 + 2.7 x 6.93 = 64.2 kg.
- Average: about 62.2 kg.
Use
How to Use the Calculator
- Select Metric or U.S. units.
- Select female or male as used by the implemented adult formulas.
- Enter height in centimeters, or feet and inches.
- Review the automatically updated formula average.
- Compare the individual formulas and BMI-based healthy weight range.
Results
Understanding the Results
Context
Factors Affecting Healthy Body Weight
- Height affects the reference range used by every formula here.
- Age can change muscle mass, bone density, and health priorities.
- Sex is included because the formulas use different base values.
- Muscle mass and body composition can make formula estimates misleading.
- Genetics, lifestyle, sleep, nutrition, and activity influence weight over time.
- Medical conditions and medications can affect body weight and fluid balance.
Practical Notes
Benefits, Limitations, and Accuracy Tips
Mistakes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing metric and U.S. height units.
- Entering total inches in the feet field.
- Using outdated or guessed height measurements.
- Treating ideal weight as a required target.
- Ignoring body composition, muscle mass, or medical context.
- Using adult formulas for children or pregnancy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy body weight?
A healthy body weight is a range that supports health for a person's height and context. This calculator shows a BMI-based range and ideal weight estimates.
How is body weight calculated here?
The tool converts height to total inches, calculates Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi ideal weight estimates, and averages those estimates.
What is ideal body weight?
Ideal body weight is an estimated reference weight based mainly on height and sex. It is not a required target for every person.
Which formulas does this calculator use?
It uses the Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi adult ideal body weight formulas, then displays their average.
Is body weight the same as BMI?
No. Body weight is mass measured in kilograms or pounds. BMI relates weight to height and is used as a screening measure.
Is ideal body weight accurate?
Ideal body weight formulas are estimates. They can be useful references but do not measure body fat, fitness, or overall health.
Does muscle affect body weight?
Yes. Muscle, bone, water, and fat all contribute to body weight. Formula estimates do not distinguish between these tissues.
Does age affect healthy weight?
Age can affect body composition, muscle mass, and health needs, but this calculator's ideal weight formulas do not include age.
Can I use this calculator during pregnancy?
No. Pregnancy has specific weight-gain guidance and should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Is this calculator suitable for children?
No. The formulas and BMI-based range shown here are adult estimates, not pediatric growth assessments.
Why are there different ideal weight formulas?
Different formulas were developed from different assumptions and use cases, so they can give slightly different estimates.
How often should I check my body weight?
Occasional checks can help track trends, but day-to-day weight changes often reflect fluid, food, and normal variation.
What should I do if my weight is outside the recommended range?
Use the result as a prompt for context, not a diagnosis. A clinician can review medical history, body composition, and health markers.
Does the calculator use metric and imperial units?
Yes. Metric height is entered in centimeters. U.S. height is entered in feet and inches, then converted internally.
Why does the calculator show a BMI-based healthy range?
The range is calculated from adult BMI values 18.5 to 24.9 for the entered height, giving a broad reference interval.
More Tools
Related Calculators
Glossary
Key Terms
- Body Weight
- Total body mass measured in kilograms or pounds.
- Healthy Weight
- A broad weight range that may support health for a given height and context.
- Ideal Body Weight
- A formula-based reference estimate, usually based on height and sex.
- BMI
- Body mass index, calculated from weight relative to height.
- Body Composition
- The body's mix of fat, muscle, bone, water, and other tissues.
- Lean Body Mass
- Body mass excluding fat mass, including muscle, bone, organs, and water.
- Metric Units
- Centimeters and kilograms in this calculator.
- Imperial Units
- Feet, inches, and pounds in common U.S. usage.
- Weight Range
- A lower-to-upper interval rather than a single target number.
Sources
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult BMI Categories.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Calculate Your BMI.
- World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight.
- Pai MP. The origin of the ideal body weight equations. Ann Pharmacother. 2000;34(9):1066-1069.
- McCarron MM, Devine BJ. Clinical Pharmacy: Case Studies: Case Number 25 Gentamicin Therapy. Drug Intell Clin Pharm. 1974;8:650-655.
Health & Medical Notice
Medical & Educational Disclaimer
This body weight calculator provides estimates for informational and educational purposes only. Results are not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance, especially for children, pregnancy, eating concerns, chronic disease, medication dosing, or major weight changes.
Calculations and transformations execute locally on your machine with full offline support. Always verify critical results.
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