Ideal Weight Calculator
Calculate your ideal body weight using multiple formulas: Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi. Get weight ranges for height.
About this calculator
This Ideal Weight Calculator adds two things that suit an Indian audience: a frame size selector and a BMI range for Asian populations. It gives the Devine, Robinson, Miller and Hamwi estimates for your height and sex, and the Asian BMI range of 18.5 to 22.9 as a weight range.
Studies show that South Asians develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMIs than Europeans, which is why many Indian guidelines suggest a lower upper limit of 22.9 for a healthy BMI. The standard WHO range goes to 24.9.
How to use it
- Enter your Height in centimetres.
- Choose Male or Female and your Frame Size.
- Read the formula estimates and the Asian BMI range.
Method
The four classic formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, Hamwi) give a single weight for your height and sex. The BMI range is BMI × height(m)², with 18.5 to 22.9 used for Asian populations and 18.5 to 24.9 for the standard WHO range.
Worked example
Man, 175 cm
| Devine | 70.5 kg |
| Robinson | 68.9 kg |
| Miller | 68.7 kg |
| Hamwi | 72.2 kg |
| BMI 18.5 to 22.9 (Asian) | 56.7 to 70.1 kg |
This tool gives general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or dietitian before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication.
Tips and common mistakes
- If you are South Asian, aim for a BMI under 23 and a waist under 90 cm (men) or 80 cm (women) as a prudent target.
- Frame size matters. A small frame sits near the lower end of the range, a large frame near the top.
- Check waist-to-hip ratio and blood sugar, not weight alone.
- Use the range, not a single number.
- Discuss targets with a doctor if you are over 65 or have a chronic illness.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Asian BMI range lower?
Because risk of diabetes and heart disease rises at lower BMI in South Asians.
What is a healthy weight for 5 ft 8 in?
About 56 to 72 kg depending on the BMI range you follow.
Does frame size change the result?
It shifts where in the range you sit.
Are these formulas for athletes?
No. Muscle mass makes them unreliable.
Can I use this for children?
No.
What if I am below the range?
Speak to a doctor. Being underweight carries health risks too.