Understanding Ideal Weight
Ideal weight is a healthy weight range for your height, sex, and body frame. Multiple formulas exist, each with slight variations. A healthy weight range (typically ±10% from calculated ideal) accounts for natural variation in body composition, muscle mass, and individual factors.
Ideal Weight Formulas
Robinson Formula (1983):
- Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet
- Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
Miller Formula (1983):
- Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet
- Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet
Devine Formula (1974):
- Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
- Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Ideal Weight Examples by Height
The table below shows ideal weight ranges (in pounds and kilograms) for different heights using the Robinson, Miller, and Devine formulas. These are estimates for adults; actual ideal weight varies by body frame, muscle mass, and individual factors.
| Height | Sex | Robinson (lbs/kg) | Miller (lbs/kg) | Devine (lbs/kg) | Average Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" (152 cm) | Female | 108 lbs / 49 kg | 112 lbs / 51 kg | 108 lbs / 49 kg | 108-112 lbs |
| 5'0" (152 cm) | Male | 115 lbs / 52 kg | 119 lbs / 54 kg | 115 lbs / 52 kg | 115-119 lbs |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | Female | 128 lbs / 58 kg | 132 lbs / 60 kg | 130 lbs / 59 kg | 128-132 lbs |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | Male | 135 lbs / 61 kg | 139 lbs / 63 kg | 140 lbs / 64 kg | 135-140 lbs |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | Female | 148 lbs / 67 kg | 152 lbs / 69 kg | 152 lbs / 69 kg | 148-152 lbs |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | Male | 160 lbs / 73 kg | 164 lbs / 74 kg | 170 lbs / 77 kg | 160-170 lbs |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | Male | 185 lbs / 84 kg | 189 lbs / 86 kg | 200 lbs / 91 kg | 185-200 lbs |
A healthy weight range is typically ±10% from the calculated ideal. These formulas don't account for muscle mass, body frame size, or individual variation. Use BMI (18.5-24.9) and body fat percentage for a more complete assessment.
Factors Affecting Ideal Weight
- Height: Taller people naturally weigh more
- Sex: Men typically have more muscle mass
- Body Frame: Large frame = higher ideal weight
- Muscle Mass: More muscle = higher weight (healthy)
- Age: Muscle mass decreases with age
- Genetics: Natural body composition varies
Ideal weight is one measure of health. For a more complete picture, combine it with BMI and body fat percentage measurements. To understand how your ideal weight relates to your daily calorie needs, calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) which shows how many calories you burn at rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is ideal weight?
- Ideal weight is a healthy weight range for your height, sex, and body frame. Multiple formulas exist: Robinson (1983): Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet, Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet. Miller (1983): Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet, Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet. Devine (1974): Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet, Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. A healthy range is typically ±10% from calculated ideal.
- Is there one ideal weight for everyone?
- No, ideal weight varies by height, sex, body frame, muscle mass, and individual factors. A healthy weight range (typically ±10% from calculated ideal) accounts for natural variation. Focus on health indicators (blood pressure, cholesterol, fitness, body fat percentage) rather than a single number. BMI 18.5-24.9 is a healthy range, but body composition matters more than weight alone. Athletes may have higher weight due to muscle mass while still being healthy.
- Should I aim for the exact ideal weight?
- No, aim for a healthy range rather than a specific number. A ±10% range from calculated ideal is healthy. More important than exact weight: body fat percentage, fitness level, blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall health markers. If you're in the healthy BMI range (18.5-24.9) and feel good, you're likely at a healthy weight regardless of the exact ideal weight calculation.