An ideal weight calculator estimates the healthy weight range for your height, gender, and body frame. Unlike BMI alone, ideal weight formulas account for different body builds and provide a target range rather than a single number.
Find Your Ideal Weight Range
Enter height and gender to see ideal weight from multiple formulas.
Ideal Weight Formulas Compared
| Formula | Men (kg) | Women (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 50 + 2.3 × (height in inches - 60) | 45.5 + 2.3 × (height in inches - 60) |
| Robinson (1983) | 52 + 1.9 × (height in inches - 60) | 49 + 1.7 × (height in inches - 60) |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 + 1.41 × (height in inches - 60) | 53.1 + 1.36 × (height in inches - 60) |
| BMI-based range | BMI 18.5-24.9 × height² | BMI 18.5-24.9 × height² |
Example: 170 cm (5'7") Male
Devine: 66.5 kg | Robinson: 65.3 kg | Miller: 65.1 kg | BMI range: 53.5-72 kg
WHO recommends lower BMI cutoffs for Asians: healthy BMI 18.5-23 (not 24.9). This means ideal weight for Indians is lower than Western formulas suggest. A 170 cm Indian male's healthy range is approximately 53.5-66.5 kg.
Ideal Weight Chart by Height (India)
| Height | Men (kg) | Women (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 155 cm / 5'1" | 50-61 | 47-57 |
| 160 cm / 5'3" | 53-64 | 49-60 |
| 165 cm / 5'5" | 56-68 | 52-63 |
| 170 cm / 5'7" | 59-72 | 55-66 |
| 175 cm / 5'9" | 63-76 | 58-70 |
| 180 cm / 5'11" | 67-80 | 61-74 |
| 185 cm / 6'1" | 71-85 | 65-78 |
Based on BMI 18.5-24.9. For Asian/Indian BMI cutoff (18.5-23), use the lower 70% of each range.
Factors That Affect Ideal Weight
- Body frame — Small, medium, large frame affects ideal weight by ±10%. Measure wrist circumference: men <17 cm = small, 17-20 = medium, >20 = large frame.
- Muscle mass — Athletes may weigh more than "ideal" due to muscle (which weighs more than fat at same volume)
- Age — Metabolism slows with age; healthy weight range shifts slightly upward after 50. A BMI of 23-25 may be optimal for 60+ (some studies show lower mortality).
- Ethnicity — South Asians carry more visceral fat at lower BMI; lower cutoffs recommended by WHO
- Body composition — Two people at same weight can have very different health profiles. Body fat percentage is more accurate than weight alone.
Waist circumference is often a better health predictor than weight or BMI. For Indian men: waist >90 cm = high cardiovascular risk. For Indian women: >80 cm = high risk. Measure at belly button level, first thing in morning. This single measurement predicts diabetes and heart disease risk better than weight.
Beyond Weight: Body Fat Percentage
| Category | Men Body Fat % | Women Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|
| Essential fat | 2-5% | 10-13% |
| Athletic | 6-13% | 14-20% |
| Fitness | 14-17% | 21-24% |
| Average | 18-24% | 25-31% |
| Obese | 25%+ | 32%+ |
Body fat can be measured with skin calipers (±3% accuracy), bioimpedance scales (±4-5%), DEXA scan (±1%, gold standard). Smart scales with bioimpedance are affordable (₹1,500-3,000) and give a reasonable estimate for tracking trends over time.
"Normal weight obesity" — a person at healthy BMI but high body fat percentage — is increasingly common among sedentary Indians, especially IT professionals. Strength training is essential to maintain muscle mass, not just cardio for weight loss.
Ideal Weight in the Indian Health Context
Indians face unique health challenges related to weight:
- Higher diabetes risk at lower BMI — Indians develop Type 2 diabetes at BMI 23-25, while Western populations at 28-30. The "normal" BMI range may not be safe for Indians.
- Visceral fat distribution — Indians tend to store fat around organs (visceral) rather than under skin (subcutaneous), making waist measurement critical.
- ICMR recommendations — Indian Council of Medical Research recommends BMI 18.5-23.0 as healthy for Indians (vs 18.5-24.9 WHO general).
- Diet factors — High refined carb intake (white rice, maida) contributes to insulin resistance even at "normal" weight.
How to Use the Tool (Step by Step)
- 1
Open the Calculator
Navigate to the Ideal Weight Calculator on ToolsArena.
- 2
Enter Height and Gender
Fill in your height (cm or feet/inches) and select gender.
- 3
View Results
See ideal weight from multiple formulas and a healthy BMI range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal weight for my height?+−
It varies by gender and formula. For a 170 cm male: approximately 59-72 kg (BMI-based). For Indian body types, aim for the lower end of BMI range (18.5-23 rather than 24.9).
Which ideal weight formula is most accurate?+−
No single formula is perfect. The BMI-based range (18.5-23 for Asians) provides the best range. Devine formula is most commonly used in clinical settings. Use the average of multiple formulas for a reasonable target.
Is BMI accurate for muscular people?+−
No. BMI overestimates body fat in muscular individuals. A bodybuilder at 180 cm, 95 kg has a "obese" BMI but may have 12% body fat. Use body fat percentage or waist circumference instead.
What is the healthy BMI for Indians?+−
WHO recommends 18.5-23.0 for Asians (vs 18.5-24.9 for Western populations). Indians carry more visceral fat at lower BMI, increasing cardiovascular risk at BMI 23+.
Does age affect ideal weight?+−
Slightly. After 50, a BMI of 23-25 may actually be associated with lower mortality (some studies suggest). Focus on maintaining muscle mass through strength training rather than just reducing weight.
Is this calculator free and private?+−
Yes. Runs entirely in your browser. No health data sent anywhere.
Find Your Ideal Weight Range
Enter height and gender to see ideal weight from multiple formulas.
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