What is a healthy weight range?

A healthy weight is not a single number but a range. This calculator uses formulas like the Robinson formula to provide an estimate of your Ideal Body Weight (IBW). However, Body Mass Index (BMI), which considers both height and weight, is often used to define ranges like underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. A healthy BMI is typically between 18.5 and 24.9.

Why are there different formulas for men and women?

The formulas for calculating ideal weight are different for men and women because of biological differences in body composition. On average, men have a higher proportion of muscle mass, while women naturally have a higher proportion of body fat for hormonal and reproductive reasons. These formulas attempt to account for these general differences.

Is ideal weight the same as a healthy weight?

The term 'ideal weight' can be misleading. It's an estimate based on height-weight charts or formulas and does not account for individual body composition (muscle vs. fat), frame size, or age. A 'healthy weight' is a more holistic concept where your weight does not pose a risk to your health. Your IBW is a good starting point, but it's best to consult a doctor for a complete health assessment.

Does this calculator consider my body frame size?

No, this calculator uses the Robinson formula, which does not explicitly account for body frame size (small, medium, or large). Frame size can influence your weight, so your healthy weight might be slightly different from the number calculated here. This is one reason why the result is an estimate and not a definitive diagnosis.

Ideal Weight Calculator

Estimate your healthy weight range based on your height and gender.

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About the Ideal Weight Calculator

Understand the science behind a healthy weight and how to interpret your results.

What is Ideal Body Weight (IBW)?

Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is a weight range that is considered healthy for a person's height. While there's no single perfect weight for everyone, various formulas have been developed by scientists to provide a healthy weight estimate for a given height. These formulas offer a useful reference point, but they are not a substitute for professional medical advice as they do not account for individual factors like body composition (muscle vs. fat ratio), body frame size, or age.

How This Calculator Works

This calculator uses the Robinson Formula (1983) to estimate your ideal weight. This is one of several common and respected formulas used to calculate IBW. To use the calculator, select your gender and preferred unit system (Metric or Imperial), enter your height, and click "Calculate". The formula differs for men and women to account for general differences in body composition:

For Men: It starts with a base weight of 52 kg for the first 5 feet of height and adds 1.9 kg for each additional inch.
For Women: It starts with a base weight of 49 kg for the first 5 feet of height and adds 1.7 kg for each additional inch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Disclaimer

The "ideal weight" calculated here is just an estimate based on a formula and should be used for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Body Mass Index (BMI) is another tool that can be used to assess weight status, but it also has its limitations. For a complete health assessment and personalized advice, it is always best to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian who can consider all individual factors such as body composition, age, and activity level.