Ideal Weight Calculator
Ideal weight calculator: a healthy weight range for your height on standard and Asian BMI cut-offs, plus the Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi results.
Written by HealthSensibly Editorial TeamReviewed by the HealthSensibly editorial teamUpdated
Finding a healthy weight for your height
No one number is “ideal” for a given height — a healthy weight covers a range. Most doctors work with a BMI of 18.5–24.9. If your family comes from South Asia, the WHO and Indian guidance set a lower top end, around 18.5–22.9, because health risks rise at a lower BMI. You will see both ranges in your result, alongside four long-standing “ideal body weight” formulas from clinical practice.
| Formula | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft | 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft |
| Robinson (1983) | 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch | 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch |
| Miller (1983) | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch |
| Hamwi (1964) | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch | 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch |
All four were designed for adults taller than 5 feet and ignore muscle mass and body frame, so treat them as rough pointers next to your BMI range and waist measurement.
Working towards a target? Pick a weight loss plan or a weight gain plan, and measure your waist-to-hip ratio too.
Common questions
What should a woman of 5 ft 3 in weigh?
The standard BMI range works out at roughly 47–63 kg (104–139 lb); the Asian cut-off narrows that to about 47–58 kg. Devine gives roughly 52 kg.
Why don’t the four formulas agree?
Each was developed from a different group of people and for a different job, such as working out drug doses. A range is therefore more meaningful than any single result.
Is BMI a good measure if I lift weights?
Not always. BMI cannot tell muscle from fat, so a very muscular person may show a high BMI and still be healthy. Your waist size and body fat give a fuller picture.
Which range applies to me as an Indian?
Indian guidance uses 18.5–22.9 as the healthy BMI range, so that is usually the better target; your doctor can advise on your own situation.
References: WHO: Appropriate BMI for Asian populations (Lancet 2004) · NHS: BMI calculator
Checked against the sources listed above. This is general health information and not medical advice — please ask your doctor or a registered dietitian what suits you.
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