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Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Find your healthy weight range based on height and gender
What is Ideal Body Weight (IBW)?
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is an estimated weight range considered healthy for a person based primarily on their height and gender. It was originally developed to help determine appropriate medication dosages but is now commonly used as a general health guideline.
Unlike BMI, which is a simple ratio of weight to height squared, IBW calculations use different formulas that account for gender differences in body composition and frame size.
Why Do We Calculate Ideal Body Weight?
- To establish a healthy weight goal based on your height and gender
- To help healthcare providers calculate appropriate medication dosages
- To provide a reference point for nutrition and weight management plans
- To complement other health metrics like BMI and body fat percentage
Calculate Your Ideal Body Weight
Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Calculate your Ideal Body Weight (IBW) based on your height and gender using established medical formulas.
How is IBW Calculated? Understanding the Formulas
Several formulas have been developed to calculate ideal body weight. This calculator uses an average of the two most reliable methods:
1. Robinson Formula (1983)
Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
Considered one of the most accurate formulas for the general population
2. Miller Formula (1983)
Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet
Provides a slightly different estimate that works well for some body types
Other Common IBW Formulas
- Devine Formula (1974):
Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
- Hamwi Formula (1964):
Men: 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet
Common IBW Questions Answered
How much should a 5'2" female weigh?
Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Calculate your Ideal Body Weight (IBW) based on your height and gender using established medical formulas.
Is 75 kg heavy for a woman of 165 cm?
Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Calculate your Ideal Body Weight (IBW) based on your height and gender using established medical formulas.
What is the ideal weight for a 180 cm man?
Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Calculate your Ideal Body Weight (IBW) based on your height and gender using established medical formulas.
What is ideal weight for a 5'10" man?
Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Calculate your Ideal Body Weight (IBW) based on your height and gender using established medical formulas.
Understanding Your Ideal Body Weight
What is the ideal weight for my body?
Your ideal weight depends on several factors beyond just height and gender:
- Frame size: People with larger bone structures may weigh more
- Muscle mass: Muscle weighs more than fat, so athletic individuals may weigh more
- Age: Weight distribution and body composition change with age
- Body fat percentage: This is often more important than total weight
While IBW formulas provide a useful reference point, they should be considered alongside other health metrics and in consultation with healthcare professionals.
What is the correct weight for age?
Weight recommendations typically vary by age group due to natural changes in body composition:
| Age Group | Weight Considerations |
|---|---|
| 20-39 years | Standard IBW calculations apply |
| 40-59 years | May be 1-3% higher than standard IBW due to natural changes |
| 60+ years | Slightly higher weights may be associated with better outcomes |
Note: These are general guidelines. Individual health factors should always be considered.
Ideal Weight Chart by Height
This chart provides a quick reference for ideal weight ranges based on height and gender using the Robinson formula:
Women
| Height | Ideal Weight Range |
|---|---|
| 4'10" (147 cm) | 43-47 kg (95-104 lbs) |
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 45-50 kg (99-110 lbs) |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 48-53 kg (106-117 lbs) |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 51-56 kg (112-123 lbs) |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 54-59 kg (119-130 lbs) |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 57-63 kg (126-139 lbs) |
Men
| Height | Ideal Weight Range |
|---|---|
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 59-65 kg (130-143 lbs) |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 63-69 kg (139-152 lbs) |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 67-74 kg (148-163 lbs) |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 71-78 kg (157-172 lbs) |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 75-83 kg (165-183 lbs) |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 79-87 kg (174-192 lbs) |
Note: These ranges include a ±10% variation to account for differences in frame size and body composition.
Healthy Weight Management
How to lose weight safely?
If you're above your ideal weight range and want to lose weight:
- Create a moderate calorie deficit (500-750 calories/day)
- Focus on nutrient-dense whole foods
- Include both cardio and strength training
- Stay hydrated and get adequate sleep
- Aim for 1-2 pounds (0.5-1 kg) of weight loss per week
- Track your food intake and exercise
Avoid crash diets or extreme calorie restriction, which can slow metabolism and lead to muscle loss.
How to gain weight healthily?
If you're below your ideal weight range and want to gain weight:
- Create a calorie surplus (300-500 calories/day)
- Prioritize protein intake (1.6-2.2g per kg of body weight)
- Focus on nutrient-dense, calorie-rich foods
- Include strength training to build muscle mass
- Eat more frequently (5-6 smaller meals)
- Add healthy fats for extra calories
Aim for gradual weight gain of 0.5-1 pound (0.25-0.5 kg) per week, primarily from muscle rather than fat.
Track Your Nutrition for Better Health
Knowing your ideal body weight is just the first step. To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, you need to consistently track your nutrition intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 75 kg heavy for a woman?
Whether 75 kg is considered heavy depends on the woman's height, frame size, and body composition. For a woman of average height (5'4" or 163 cm), 75 kg would be above the ideal weight range. However, for a taller woman (5'9" or 175 cm) with a larger frame or more muscle mass, 75 kg could be perfectly healthy.
How to calculate weight in kg?
To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2046. For example, 150 pounds ÷ 2.2046 = 68.04 kg. Conversely, to convert kilograms to pounds, multiply the weight in kg by 2.2046.
What is an unhealthy weight?
An unhealthy weight is one that significantly increases health risks. This includes being substantially below your ideal weight range (underweight) or significantly above it (overweight or obese). However, weight alone doesn't determine health—factors like body composition, fitness level, and metabolic health are also important.
How much weight can you lose in a month?
A safe and sustainable rate of weight loss is 4-8 pounds (1.8-3.6 kg) per month, which equates to 1-2 pounds per week. Faster weight loss is possible but often involves loss of water weight and muscle mass rather than fat, and is typically harder to maintain long-term.