What Is Ideal Body Weight?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is an estimate of the most appropriate weight for a given height, intended as a guideline for health risk assessment and medication dosing. Multiple formulas exist — CalcHub uses the widely accepted Devine formula.
Devine Formula
Men IBW (kg) = 50 + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60)
Women IBW (kg) = 45.5 + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60)
Women IBW (kg) = 45.5 + 2.3 × (height in inches − 60)
Comparison of IBW Formulas
| Formula | Men (175cm) | Women (165cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 70.5 kg | 57.7 kg |
| Robinson (1983) | 72.0 kg | 58.5 kg |
| Miller (1983) | 71.7 kg | 59.5 kg |
| Hamwi (1964) | 72.6 kg | 56.7 kg |
Important: IBW formulas do not account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. Athletes may healthily exceed IBW. Always consider BMI, body fat %, and clinical assessment together.
Healthy Weight Range
A 10% range around the calculated IBW is generally considered acceptable. Someone at 110% of IBW is considered overweight in clinical settings, while someone below 90% may be considered underweight.