"Ideal weight" has no single definition. This calculator shows the three numbers people usually mean. The Devine formula, published in 1974 for drug dosing, gives 50 kg for men (45.5 kg for women) plus 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet. For a 5 ft 10 in man that is 73 kg, about 161 lb. Below it are the older height–weight rule the Devine formula grew out of, and the weight range that gives a healthy BMI.
Pai and Paloucek's review in Annals of Pharmacotherapy (2000) traced these equations to early height–weight tables and found the various ideal-body-weight formulas are similar because they come from the same kind of data. Ideal body weight is a clinical reference value, used for example to dose some medicines, not a personal target. For most people the healthy-BMI range is the more useful guide.
How to use the ideal weight calculator
- Choose sex and units.
- Enter your height without shoes.
- Compare the Devine ideal body weight, the traditional rule (with its customary ±10% allowance) and the healthy-BMI range.
Formula
Worked example
A man who is 5 ft 10 in (70 in).
- Devine: 50 + 2.3 × 10 = 73.0 kg ≈ 161 lb.
- Traditional rule: 110 + 5 × 10 = 160 lb (144–176 lb with ±10%).
- Healthy BMI range: height 1.778 m → 18.5 × 3.161 = 58.5 kg (129 lb) to 25 × 3.161 = 79.0 kg (174 lb).
A 5 ft 4 in woman: Devine 45.5 + 2.3 × 4 = 54.7 kg ≈ 121 lb.
Which number should I use?
Use the healthy-BMI range for general health goals. The CDC defines it as a BMI of 18.5 to under 25 for adults. Use Devine IBW only where a clinician asks for it. The formulas ignore frame size, muscle and age, and they were not designed for people under 5 ft. StatPearls notes the Devine formula tends to overestimate at taller heights and underestimate at shorter ones. A body-composition estimate from the body fat calculator (u.s. navy method) adds context that weight alone cannot. If you decide to change weight, set a pace with the calorie deficit calculator.
Devine ideal body weight by height
| Height | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 0 in | 110 lb (50.0 kg) | 100 lb (45.5 kg) |
| 5 ft 4 in | 131 lb (59.2 kg) | 121 lb (54.7 kg) |
| 5 ft 8 in | 151 lb (68.4 kg) | 141 lb (63.9 kg) |
| 6 ft 0 in | 171 lb (77.6 kg) | 161 lb (73.1 kg) |
Caveats and assumptions
- Ideal-body-weight formulas are clinical reference values, not health targets, and ignore muscle and frame size.
- Not intended for heights under 5 ft (60 in), for children, or during pregnancy.
- Not medical advice; talk to a clinician about a healthy weight for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal weight for a 5 ft 10 in man?
The Devine formula gives 73 kg (about 161 lb). The healthy-BMI range at that height is about 129 to 174 lb.
What is the Devine formula?
Ideal body weight = 50 kg (men) or 45.5 kg (women) + 2.3 kg for every inch over 5 feet. It was published in 1974 for medication dosing.
How much should a 5 ft 4 in woman weigh?
Devine gives about 121 lb; the healthy-BMI range is about 108 to 146 lb.
Is ideal body weight the same as a healthy weight?
No. IBW is a single clinical reference number. A healthy weight is a range, and the CDC uses BMI 18.5 to under 25 for adults.
Sources
- Pai MP, Paloucek FP. The origin of the "ideal" body weight equations. Ann Pharmacother 2000 (PubMed) — history of the Devine equations and the 100/110 lb + 5 lb rule
- StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) — Conversion Weights — Devine IBW formulas and their limitations
- CDC — Adult BMI Categories — healthy weight = BMI 18.5 to under 25
This calculator gives general estimates for healthy adults and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Equations are averages and individuals differ. Talk to a qualified health professional before changing your diet, exercise or medication, and during pregnancy. See our disclaimer and how we build and check calculators.