Ideal weight for your height
Healthy BMI range plus the Devine, Robinson, and Miller formulas.
- Healthy BMI range (18.5 to 24.9)111.2 to 149.6 lb
- Devine (1974)125.7 lb
- Robinson (1983)126.8 lb
- Miller (1983)132.1 lb
A healthy weight range by height
Public health groups like the CDC start with the weight range that matches a healthy BMI, 18.5 to 24.9. The range is the same for men and women, and it is wide on purpose, since healthy bodies come in different builds.
| Height | Lowest (BMI 18.5) | Highest (BMI 24.9) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ft 10 in | 89 lb | 119 lb |
| 5 ft 0 in | 95 lb | 127 lb |
| 5 ft 2 in | 101 lb | 136 lb |
| 5 ft 4 in | 108 lb | 145 lb |
| 5 ft 6 in | 115 lb | 154 lb |
| 5 ft 8 in | 122 lb | 164 lb |
| 5 ft 10 in | 129 lb | 174 lb |
| 6 ft 0 in | 136 lb | 184 lb |
| 6 ft 2 in | 144 lb | 194 lb |
To see where your own weight lands on the scale, use the BMI calculator.
The classic ideal weight formulas
Devine, Robinson, and Miller were written to help pharmacists dose medicine, not to set body goals. Each one starts with a base weight at 5 ft and adds a set amount for every inch above that.
| Formula | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 110.2 lb + 5.07 lb per inch over 5 ft | 100.3 lb + 5.07 lb per inch over 5 ft |
| Robinson (1983) | 114.6 lb + 4.19 lb per inch over 5 ft | 108.0 lb + 3.75 lb per inch over 5 ft |
| Miller (1983) | 123.9 lb + 3.11 lb per inch over 5 ft | 117.1 lb + 3.00 lb per inch over 5 ft |
Ideal weight by age and other limits
For adults, the healthy range and the formulas stay the same at every age. What changes with age is body composition: many older adults lose muscle, and weight guidance for seniors is best set with a doctor. For kids and teens, doctors use growth charts instead.
- Muscle mass, bone structure, pregnancy, illness, and medications are not part of any formula here.
- Treat each result as an estimate. A doctor or registered dietitian should guide any weight change.
- For daily energy needs, try the BMR calculator. For body composition, use the body fat calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my ideal weight?
Multiply 18.5 and 24.9 by your height in inches squared, then divide each by 703. That gives the healthy range in pounds. At 5 ft 4 in (64 inches), the range is 107.8 to 145.1 lb.
What is the ideal weight for a woman who is 5 ft 4 in?
The healthy BMI range is about 108 to 145 lb. The classic formulas land between 121 and 129 lb for a woman at this height.
What is the ideal weight for a man who is 5 ft 10 in?
The healthy BMI range is about 129 to 174 lb. Devine, Robinson, and Miller give roughly 161, 157, and 155 lb.
Does ideal weight change with age?
Not in these formulas. The 18.5 to 24.9 BMI range applies to adults of every age, although body composition shifts over time. A doctor can help set a target for older adults.
What is the difference between ideal weight and healthy weight?
Healthy weight is a range, the one that matches a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. Ideal weight usually means one number from a formula, which ignores muscle and body build.
Is ideal weight accurate if I lift weights?
Not very. Muscle is dense, so BMI and the classic formulas can overstate what you should weigh down. Body fat percentage and waist size are better guides for people who train.
Sources and review
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Adult BMI categories.
- Devine BJ. Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy, 1974.
- Robinson JD et al. Determination of ideal body weight for drug dosage calculations. American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 1983.
- Miller DR et al. Determining ideal body weight. American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 1983.