Ideal Weight
Your Personalized Healthy Weight Target
Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Find your healthy weight range based on your height
This tool provides a general estimate based on standard formulas and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
What is Ideal Body Weight?
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is a target weight that is associated with optimal health outcomes for a given height and gender. The most widely used formula is the Devine formula, originally published in 1974 for clinical medication dosing.
IBW is commonly used by pharmacists and doctors to calculate drug dosages (especially for medications where dosing by actual weight could cause toxicity), and by dietitians to set healthy weight loss goals.
Why does this matter?
Knowing your IBW helps set realistic, health-based weight goals. It is particularly useful when your current BMI or weight is far from the healthy range and you need a clear, medically-grounded target to work toward.
How to Use This Tool
- Enter your height in centimeters. Be as accurate as possible — measure without shoes.
- Select your biological gender, as the formula differs between males and females.
- Click "Calculate IBW" to see your ideal weight range (±5 kg around the Devine formula result).
- Compare your current weight to the range. The gap tells you your approximate weight goal.
Tips for Accurate Results
- IBW is a guideline, not a rigid target. Some individuals are naturally heavier or lighter than their IBW.
- Body frame size (small, medium, large) is not accounted for in the basic Devine formula.
- Athletes with high muscle mass will naturally weigh more than their IBW — this is not unhealthy.
- Use IBW alongside BMI and body fat percentage for a more complete picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Devine formula?
The Devine formula calculates IBW as: Males: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. Females: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. This was originally designed for drug dosing purposes but has been adopted broadly.
Is IBW the same as my goal weight?
Not necessarily. IBW is a reference point, not a prescription. Your personal goal weight depends on your body composition, health history, fitness level, and doctor’s guidance.
Why is there a ±5 kg range?
Human body weight naturally varies by frame size, muscle mass, and other factors. The range accounts for this natural variation and makes the goal more realistic and personalized.
Do doctors use IBW for medication dosing?
Yes, IBW is widely used in clinical settings to calculate doses for drugs like aminoglycosides, vancomycin, and chemotherapy agents, where toxicity is a concern at higher weights.
- Medical Disclaimer: This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.
How to Use This Tool
- More than 20% below IBW — Significantly Underweight — Seek medical advice
- 10–20% below IBW — Mildly Underweight — Consider dietary improvements
- Within ±10% of IBW — Healthy Range — Maintain current habits
- 10–20% above IBW — Mildly Overweight — Lifestyle changes recommended
- More than 20% above IBW — Significantly Overweight — Consult a doctor
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