How to Calculate Your Ideal Weight
Learn how to calculate your ideal weight using Devine, Robinson, and Miller formulas. BMI limitations and why body composition matters more. Voical guide.
Calorie calculation examples by profile
Woman, 5'3"
Woman, 5'7"
Man, 5'9"
Man, 6'1"
What is ideal weight?
Ideal weight is a theoretical concept that attempts to define the optimal weight for your health based on your height. However, there's no universal magic number. Your ideal weight depends on many factors: body composition, genetics, age, activity level, and personal goals. Formulas provide an estimate, not an absolute truth.
Main calculation formulas
Three formulas are commonly used: Devine (1974), Robinson (1983), and Miller (1983). They give different results because they were developed from different populations. The Devine formula is most widespread, but the Miller formula is often considered more realistic for modern body types.
Limitations of these formulas
These formulas don't account for muscle mass, bone structure, or fat distribution. A muscular athlete may weigh well above their calculated 'ideal weight' while being in excellent health. Conversely, someone at their 'ideal' weight but sedentary may have unfavorable body composition (skinny fat).
A better approach
Rather than aiming for an arbitrary number, focus on your body composition and well-being. A healthy waist circumference (< 37" men, < 31.5" women), good energy levels, and normal blood work are better health indicators than the number on the scale.
Important
Never go below 1200 kcal/day (women) or 1500 kcal/day (men) without medical supervision. Too aggressive a deficit can be dangerous for your health and counterproductive for weight loss.
Complete Guide to Calculating Your Ideal Weight
The concept of ideal weight is appealing but complex. This guide presents different calculation methods and their limitations.
The 3 Main Formulas
Devine Formula (1974)
Originally developed for medication dosing:
Men: Ideal weight (kg) = 50 + 2.3 x (height in inches - 60) Women: Ideal weight (kg) = 45.5 + 2.3 x (height in inches - 60)
Robinson Formula (1983)
Men: Ideal weight (kg) = 52 + 1.9 x (height in inches - 60) Women: Ideal weight (kg) = 49 + 1.7 x (height in inches - 60)
Miller Formula (1983)
Often considered the most realistic:
Men: Ideal weight (kg) = 56.2 + 1.41 x (height in inches - 60) Women: Ideal weight (kg) = 53.1 + 1.36 x (height in inches - 60)
Calculation Examples
Woman 5’5” (65 inches)
| Formula | Ideal Weight |
|---|---|
| Devine | 123 lbs (56 kg) |
| Robinson | 127 lbs (57.5 kg) |
| Miller | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
Range: 123-132 lbs
Man 5’11” (71 inches)
| Formula | Ideal Weight |
|---|---|
| Devine | 166 lbs (75.3 kg) |
| Robinson | 161 lbs (72.9 kg) |
| Miller | 158 lbs (71.7 kg) |
Range: 158-166 lbs
Why These Formulas Are Limited
1. No Consideration for Muscle Mass
A 5’11” man weighing 176 lbs of muscle would be considered overweight by these formulas, while likely being healthier than a sedentary 158 lb person.
2. Bone Structure Not Accounted For
People with large or small frames naturally have different weights for the same height.
3. Outdated Formulas
Developed 40-50 years ago on specific populations, they don’t reflect current diversity.
4. No Age Distinction
Needs and body composition change with age.
A Better Approach: Health Indicators
Waist Circumference
More relevant than weight for assessing cardiovascular risk:
- Men: < 37” (moderate risk), < 40” (high risk)
- Women: < 31.5” (moderate risk), < 35” (high risk)
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
- Men: < 0.90 ideal
- Women: < 0.85 ideal
Body Composition
Body fat percentage is more informative than weight:
- Men: 10-20% healthy
- Women: 18-28% healthy
Functional Indicators
- Daily energy levels
- Sleep quality
- Exercise capacity
- Blood markers (blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides)
Finding YOUR Ideal Weight
Step 1: Evaluate Your History
At what weight do you feel best? When do you have the most energy?
Step 2: Consider Your Lifestyle
A maintainable weight without extreme restriction is healthier than an unsustainable “ideal” weight.
Step 3: Check Health Metrics
Waist circumference, blood work, blood pressure > number on the scale.
Step 4: Accept a Range
Your ideal weight is a range of 4-6 lbs, not a precise number. It naturally fluctuates.
The Role of Tracking in Weight Management
Whether your goal is reaching or maintaining your ideal weight, calorie tracking helps you understand your body. Voical simplifies this tracking: photograph your meals, follow your trends, and adjust based on your actual results rather than theoretical formulas.