Ideal Weight Calculator
Calculate ideal body weight using 4 different formulas and find your healthy weight range.
| Formula | Year | Ideal Weight |
|---|
Indian BMI range 18.5–22.9 used for BMI-based estimate. Average excludes outliers. These are estimates, not targets.
About the four ideal weight formulas
Each formula was developed for different clinical purposes. None is definitively "correct" — they provide a useful range.
Originally developed to calculate drug dosages for patients. Still widely used in pharmacology and medicine. Based on a 5-foot baseline with 2.3 kg per additional inch.
Revised Devine formula with slightly different constants, based on a study of healthy Americans. Tends to give slightly higher values than Devine.
Developed as a revised formula giving higher values for taller individuals. The 1.41 kg/inch for men accounts for larger frame sizes in taller people.
Calculates the weight range corresponding to a BMI of 18.5–22.9, using Indian-specific normal range instead of the international 18.5–24.9.
Frequently asked questions
Which ideal weight formula should I use?
Use the BMI-based range (18.5–22.9) as your primary reference since it is directly linked to metabolic health and uses Indian-specific cutoffs. The Devine and Robinson formulas are useful cross-checks. The average of all four gives a balanced estimate.
Why do the formulas give different results?
Each formula was derived from different populations and using different methodologies. They agree within a range of 3–5 kg for most heights. The BMI-based range is the widest, reflecting real biological variation in healthy body weight.
Is ideal weight the same as goal weight?
Not necessarily. Ideal weight formulas give a statistical average for a healthy weight. Your personal goal weight might be slightly above or below this range and still be healthy depending on your muscle mass, bone density, age and other factors. Consult a doctor or dietitian for a personalised target.
Do these formulas apply to Indian body types?
The Devine, Robinson and Miller formulas were developed primarily on Western populations. The BMI-based formula using Indian cutoffs (18.5–22.9) is more appropriate for South Asians. Research consistently shows Indians are at metabolic risk at lower weight-for-height ratios than Western populations.
Should I target the lowest or highest value in the range?
For most people, aiming for the middle of the healthy BMI range (around BMI 20–21) provides the best balance of health outcomes. Very low weights within the healthy range (BMI 18.5–19) are associated with higher risk of bone loss and malnutrition, particularly for women.