Ideal Body Weight
Calculator

Inputs

Units
Ideal body-weight estimate
73.0000

Results

Ideal body-weight estimate
73.0000

Calculation details

Height177.8
Inches above 5 ft10.00

Formula

IBW = B + 2.3 × I
base
50.00
inches
10.00

= 73.0000

Note

This is an educational estimate, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.

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Frequently asked questions

What formula does this calculator use for ideal body weight?+

Common formulas include the Devine formula, which starts from a base weight for 5 feet of height and adds a fixed amount per inch above that, with different constants for men and women. These formulas were originally developed for medical drug dosing calculations, not as a fitness or aesthetic target.

Why do the formulas give a lower number than I'd expect to be healthy?+

Ideal body weight formulas were designed decades ago primarily for clinical dosing purposes and tend to produce leaner numbers than what's considered a healthy weight range by modern BMI standards. They shouldn't be treated as a definitive personal goal, especially for muscular individuals.

Does ideal body weight account for frame size or muscle mass?+

No, the standard formulas use only height and sex, so they don't adjust for a naturally larger frame, higher muscle mass, or other individual differences in build. This is a key limitation to keep in mind when interpreting the result.

Why might a doctor still ask for this number today?+

Ideal body weight remains useful in specific medical contexts, such as calculating medication doses or ventilator settings, where dosing based on actual weight in an overweight patient could lead to overdosing. It's a clinical tool more than a personal wellness target.

Should I try to reach my calculated ideal weight?+

Not necessarily; this number is one reference point among many, and a healthy target weight should consider your body composition, muscle mass, and how you feel and function, not just a formula. Discuss weight goals with a healthcare provider rather than treating this figure as a strict target.