Healthy weight range (BMI 18.5–24.9)115 lb – 154 lb
Average of the four formulas131 lb
Ideal body weight by formula| Formula | Ideal weight | In kilograms |
|---|
| Robinson (1983) | 131 lb | 59.2 kg |
| Miller (1983) | 135 lb | 61.3 kg |
| Devine (1974) | 131 lb | 59.3 kg |
| Hamwi (1964) | 129 lb | 58.7 kg |
Note: ideal weight formulas were designed for medication dosing and do not account for muscle mass, frame size or age. Use them as a rough reference, not a target.
Ideal weight formulas
Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), Miller (1983) and Hamwi (1964) all start from a base weight at 5 feet and add a fixed amount for each inch above it. For example, Devine gives 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch for men and 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch for women.
Healthy weight range by BMI
A body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a healthy weight for adults. For a height of 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) that is about 115–154 lb (52–70 kg). The range is often more useful than a single ideal number.
Limitations
These formulas were created to estimate medication doses, not to set weight goals. They ignore muscle mass, frame size, age and ethnicity, so athletes and older adults may be healthy outside the results.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal weight for a 5'6" woman?
About 129–135 lb (59–61 kg) by the four common formulas; the healthy BMI range at that height is about 115–154 lb.
What is the ideal weight for a 6' man?
About 161–177 lb (73–80 kg) by the four common formulas; the healthy BMI range at that height is about 136–184 lb.
Which ideal weight formula is best?
None is clearly best. Devine is the most used in medicine; comparing all four with the BMI range gives a more balanced view.
Does ideal weight depend on age?
The formulas do not include age. Some research suggests slightly higher BMI values may be healthy for older adults.