Ideal Body Weight Calculator (Devine Formula)

Calculate your ideal body weight using the Devine Formula — a clinically used equation for estimating healthy weight targets. Enter your height and biological sex, and get your ideal body weight in kg and lbs, along with a healthy weight range for context.

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Enter your height in centimeters

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Results

Ideal Body Weight

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Ideal Body Weight (lbs)

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Healthy Weight Range (kg)

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Healthy Weight Range (lbs)

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Formula Applied

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Ideal vs Healthy Weight Range (kg)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Devine Formula for ideal body weight?

The Devine Formula was introduced by B.J. Devine in 1974. For males: IBW (kg) = 50 + 2.3 × (height in inches above 5 feet). For females: IBW (kg) = 45.5 + 2.3 × (height in inches above 5 feet). It was originally developed for drug dosing purposes in clinical settings.

Is ideal body weight the same as a healthy weight?

Not exactly. Ideal body weight calculated via the Devine Formula is a clinical estimate, often used for medication dosing rather than fitness goals. A healthy weight range is typically considered ±10% of the IBW. For broader health assessments, BMI and body composition metrics are also useful.

Does the Devine Formula apply to everyone?

The Devine Formula works best for adults of average build and height above 5 feet (152 cm). It may be less accurate for people who are very short, very tall, heavily muscled, or have a non-average body frame. Children and adolescents should use age-specific growth charts instead.

What happens if someone is under 5 feet (152 cm) tall?

The original Devine Formula is designed for heights above 5 feet. For individuals below this threshold, the formula loses accuracy and may produce unrealistically low values. Some clinicians use a modified baseline or simply use the base value of 50 kg (male) or 45.5 kg (female) for heights at or below 5 feet.

Why is ideal body weight used in medicine?

Clinicians use IBW primarily for calculating drug doses, ventilator tidal volumes, and nutritional requirements where actual body weight might skew results — especially in obese patients. It provides a standardized reference weight independent of excess fat mass.

How is IBW different from BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) measures the ratio of weight to height squared and categorizes individuals as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. IBW gives a single target weight based on height and sex. BMI is a screening tool, while IBW is more often used in clinical dosing calculations.

Can I use this calculator to set a weight loss goal?

You can use it as a rough reference point, but the Devine Formula result shouldn't be treated as a personal weight loss target without medical guidance. Factors like muscle mass, bone density, age, and overall health all influence what weight is truly ideal for you as an individual.

Are there other ideal body weight formulas?

Yes — other commonly used formulas include the Robinson Formula (1983), the Miller Formula (1983), and the Hamwi Formula (1964). Each produces slightly different results. The Devine Formula remains the most widely referenced in clinical pharmacology and critical care medicine.

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