Estimated Ideal Weight
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Formula Ideal Weight ({{ weightUnit }})
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Categories: Calculator , Health & Fitness
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Ideal body weight expresses the amount a person would weigh if only lean tissue were present. It distils decades of actuarial data into height-based reference ranges that assist in clinical dosing, nutritional planning, and population research while remaining easy to communicate. Unlike body-mass index, it ignores mass already carried and focuses on a theoretical baseline.

This calculator combines your gender, height, and optional frame-size multiplier with four peer-reviewed equations. A reactive engine recalculates instantly, summarising the minimum, maximum, and mean values plus a bar charting layer for visual comparison. Outputs appear in kilograms or pounds without page reloads.

Typical use: a pharmacist estimates dosing weight for a 172 cm adult before preparing aminoglycoside antibiotics. *Always discuss results with a qualified professional; figures are estimates, not medical advice.*

Technical Details:

Concept Overview

Ideal-weight equations extrapolate median lean-tissue mass from large demographic cohorts. They assume linear gains above 152.4 cm (5 ft) and sex-specific baselines that reflect dimorphic body composition. Key variables are height in centimetres, excess-height inches beyond five feet, sex-adjusted constant, and an optional frame-size factor of 0.9 (small), 1 (medium), or 1.1 (large).

Core Equations

The calculator applies each formula in kilograms; Hin represents inches over 5 ft.

FormulaMale EquationFemale Equation
Devine (1974)50+2.3H45.5+2.3H
Hamwi (1964)48+2.7H45.5+2.2H
Robinson (1983)52+1.9H49+1.7H
Miller (1983)56.2+1.41H53.1+1.36H

Interpretation

OutputMeaning
MinimumLowest estimate; conservative baseline for frail or elderly patients.
MaximumHighest estimate; useful when higher muscle mass is expected.
AverageMean of all four formulas; common single-point reference in dietetics.

Choose the figure fitting clinical judgement; values differ by up to 15 % between equations.

Variables & Parameters

  • gender – selects sex-specific constant.
  • height (cm or in) – measured without shoes.
  • height unit – centimetres or inches.
  • frame size – body-frame adjustment (−10 % / +10 %).
  • weight unit – output in kilograms or pounds.

Worked Example

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Applies to adults aged 18 – 65 years.
  • Excludes pregnancy and oedema.
  • Linear extrapolation may mis-estimate extreme statures.
  • Equations derived predominantly from Western cohorts.

Edge Cases & Error Sources

  • Height below 5 ft returns zero excess-inches; formulas converge.
  • Units mismatched during conversion inflate values by 2.2×.
  • Frame size ignored if left at default medium.
  • Keyboard locale may replace decimal point with comma.

Scientific Validity & References

Devine B J (1974); Hamwi G J (1964); Robinson J D (1983); Miller D R (1983). Each paper evaluated mortality or pharmacokinetic outcomes relative to height-derived baselines.

Privacy & Compliance

No sensitive data leaves your device; calculations occur client-side and are GDPR-friendly.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Follow these steps to obtain and export an ideal-weight estimate.

  1. Select Male or Female.
  2. Enter height and choose cm or in.
  3. (Optional) Open Advanced, set weight unit and frame size.
  4. Review range, average, table, and chart.
  5. Click Copy CSV or Download CSV to export results.

FAQ:

Which formula is best?

Clinicians often prefer Devine for drug dosing, whereas dietitians may average several equations. Use professional judgement for context.

Is my data stored?

No. Inputs remain in your browser and disappear when you close the page.

Can children use it?

The equations target adult physiology; paediatric growth charts are more appropriate for users under 18 years old.

Why offer frame size?

Frame adjustment recognises bone thickness differences that height alone ignores, shifting results ±10 % to suit small or large builds.

What if I measure in feet & inches?

Select inches as the height unit; the calculator converts internally, so entering 5 ft 9 in equals 69 inches.

Glossary:

Ideal Weight
Theoretical mass predicted from height.
Frame Size
Adjustment factor for bone breadth.
Excess Height
Inches beyond 152.4 cm.
kg
Kilogram, SI mass unit.
lb
Pound, Imperial mass unit (0.4536 kg).
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