Free Ideal Weight Calculator
Know Your Ideal Body Weight
Calculate your ideal body weight using 4 clinically validated formulas — Devine, Robinson, Miller & Hamwi — with frame size adjustment and a healthy BMI weight range. Completely free.
Find Your Ideal Weight
4 formulas · frame size · healthy BMI range
💡 Frame tip: Small = thin wrists, narrow shoulders. Large = wide wrists, broad build. Most people are medium frame.
Your Ideal Body Weight (Average of 4 Formulas)
Healthy BMI Weight Range (Indian: 18.5–22.9)
— kg
Understanding Ideal Body Weight
Ideal body weight (IBW) is a height-based estimate of how much a person should weigh, based on their height, gender, and body frame size. Originally developed in the 1960s–1980s for clinical drug dosing calculations, IBW formulas have since been widely adopted as general health reference points for setting weight goals, planning nutrition, and assessing health risk.
Unlike BMI, which gives a weight range, IBW formulas give a specific target weight. Because everyone's muscle mass, bone density, and body composition varies, ideal body weight is best treated as a target zone rather than a strict number. Using the average across four validated formulas — along with a frame size adjustment — gives the most reliable estimate for most adults.
The 4 Ideal Body Weight Formulas
Each formula was developed independently for different clinical purposes. This calculator uses all four and displays the average — the most practical approach recommended in modern dietetics practice.
IBW Formulas — height in inches above 5 ft (60 inches)
| Formula | Year | Originally Developed For | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devine | 1974 | Antibiotic (gentamicin) dosing | Medical Standard |
| Robinson | 1983 | Drug dosage calculations | Most Refined |
| Miller | 1983 | Digoxin dosing | Highest estimates |
| Hamwi | 1964 | Diabetes nutrition counselling | Used in Dietetics |
Frame Size Adjustment
Small frame: subtract 10% from average IBW.
Large frame: add 10%. Bone structure naturally affects what a comfortable target weight feels like for each person.
IBW vs Healthy BMI Range
IBW gives one target number. The healthy BMI range gives a broader window. If your weight is above IBW but within the healthy BMI range, you likely carry more lean muscle — which is completely fine.
Indian Context
For Indians, a healthy BMI of 18.5–22.9 is recommended (lower than Western standards). Your ideal body weight may therefore be toward the lower end of Western-derived IBW formulas.
IBW Limitations
IBW does not account for muscle mass, bone density, age, or fat distribution. Athletes and muscular individuals often weigh more than IBW yet remain very healthy. Always consider the full picture.
Ideal Body Weight Chart by Height
This chart shows the healthy BMI weight range (BMI 18.5–22.9, Indian cut-offs) alongside the average IBW from all four formulas for common adult heights.
| Height | Healthy Range (Indian BMI) | Avg IBW — Men | Avg IBW — Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4'11") | 41 – 52 kg | 48.4 kg | 44.3 kg |
| 155 cm (5'1") | 44 – 55 kg | 51.7 kg | 47.0 kg |
| 160 cm (5'3") | 47 – 59 kg | 54.8 kg | 49.9 kg |
| 165 cm (5'5") | 50 – 62 kg | 57.9 kg | 52.8 kg |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 53 – 66 kg | 61.0 kg | 55.7 kg |
| 175 cm (5'9") | 57 – 70 kg | 64.2 kg | 58.7 kg |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 60 – 74 kg | 67.3 kg | 61.6 kg |
| 185 cm (6'1") | 63 – 79 kg | 70.4 kg | 64.5 kg |
How to Reach Your Ideal Body Weight — Indian Guide
- 1Set a realistic weekly target of 0.5–1 kg change — whether gaining or losing, sustainable progress at this rate preserves lean muscle and avoids metabolic adaptation. Faster rates almost always cause muscle loss and rebound weight gain over time.
- 2Calculate your daily calorie need accurately — use your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) as your baseline. A deficit of 300–500 kcal/day supports consistent fat loss; a surplus of the same supports healthy weight gain without excessive fat storage.
- 3Build your plate the Indian way — half the plate with sabzi and salad, one-quarter with dal or lean protein (paneer, eggs, chicken, curd), one-quarter with whole grain carbohydrate (brown rice, millet, whole wheat roti). This structure controls calories naturally while providing complete nutrition.
- 4Eat 5–6 smaller meals per day — never skip meals — frequent meals maintain metabolic rate, control hunger hormones, and prevent energy crashes. For weight gain, calorie-dense snacks between main meals are essential. For fat loss, protein-rich snacks prevent overeating at main meals.
- 5Strength train 3–4 times per week regardless of your goal — for fat loss, strength training preserves lean muscle while fat is lost. For weight gain, it directs the calorie surplus toward muscle rather than fat. Both goals benefit significantly from consistent resistance exercise.
- 6Drink 2.5–3 litres of water daily — dehydration is frequently mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary calorie intake. Good hydration supports digestion, metabolism, and physical performance. Replace sugary drinks, sodas, and packaged juices entirely with water, chaas, or nimbu pani.
- 7Rule out underlying health conditions — thyroid disorders, PCOS, insulin resistance, and anaemia are extremely common in India and all significantly affect body weight and metabolism. A comprehensive blood panel before starting any diet plan helps identify and treat root causes rather than just symptoms.
Reach Your Ideal Body Weight — With Expert Help
Our certified Indian dietitians create a fully personalised weight management plan based on your ideal weight result, current weight, health goals, food preferences, lifestyle, and medical history.
Common Questions About Ideal Body Weight
Answers from DietDekho's registered dietitians on the most frequently asked questions about ideal body weight, how it is calculated, and how to use it as your health goal.