Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Calculate your ideal body weight using four established medical formulas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ideal body weight (IBW)?
Ideal body weight is an estimated weight based on height that is associated with maximum life expectancy. It was originally developed for drug dosing calculations but is now used as a general health reference.
Which IBW formula is most accurate?
The Devine formula is most commonly used in clinical practice. However, all formulas have limitations and don't account for factors like muscle mass, frame size, or ethnicity. Use them as rough guidelines only.
Why do different formulas give different results?
Each formula was developed using different populations and methodologies. The variation typically ranges 5-10%. Consider the average of multiple formulas for a more balanced estimate.
Is IBW the same as healthy weight?
Not exactly. IBW is a single number estimate, while healthy weight is typically expressed as a range (like BMI 18.5-24.9). A range of ±10% around your IBW is generally considered acceptable.
About These Formulas
These formulas were originally developed for drug dosing calculations and have limitations. They don't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body frame size.
For a more complete picture, combine this with BMI, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio.