What is Ideal Body Weight?
Ideal body weight (IBW) is your healthiest body weight as per a weighing scale as per your current height, gender, age, and several other factors. It is the target body weight you should aim to achieve to achieve your fitness goals and lead a healthy life. Maintaining an ideal body weight can reduce the chances of developing any health-related issues.
How to Calculate Ideal Body Weight?
The most common methods to calculate your ideal body weight are by using the Hamwi formula, Devine formula, and Robinson formula. These formulas are used to provide a useful starting point to achieve your health goals in a quick and easy way using a numerical target. You can also use an online ideal weight calculator that uses these formulas to determine your ideal body weight.
Check out how to calculate your ideal weight using the Hamwi, Devine and Robinson formulas:
1
Hamwi Formula
The Hamwi formula is one of the oldest methods to calculate ideal weight. It was introduced in 1964 by Dr. G.J. Hamwi. It was initially used in medical settings and is now used when a stricter target is required. The Hamwi formula is ideal for clinical evaluations and was initially proposed to measure the ideal body weight of people with diabetes.
Hamwi Formula:
For Male = 48.0 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
For Female = 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet
2
Devine Formula
The Devine formula is one of the most widely used formulas to calculate the ideal weight. It is a simple formula based on your height. It was initially designed in 1974 by Dr. B.J. Devine for clinical settings and medicine dosage. But now it is commonly used by medical practitioners and health insurance companies. Moreover, the Devine formula aligns well with the BMI calculator and the BMI range.
Devine Formula:
For Male = 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet
For Female = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet
3
Robinson Formula
The Robinson formula for calculating ideal weight was introduced in 1983. It is easy to calculate and is solely based on your height. Even though it is not reliable for very tall, lean or very short people, it is still seen as a modification of the Devine formula. The Robinson formula aims for slightly better accuracy and is quite suitable for smaller body frames.
Robinson Formula:
For Male = 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet
For Female = 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
Which is the Best Formula for Ideal Weight?
Even though the Hamwi, Devine and Robinson formulas for ideal weight are widely used and quite popular, there is no single best formula to calculate your ideal weight. The formula you wish to use is based on many factors, including your long-term fitness goals, body type, etc.
You can consider the following before choosing the best formula to calculate your ideal weight:
The Devine formula is widely adopted in clinical settings, particularly for medicine dosage.
The Hamwi formula is used for quick estimations, as it is quite simple to use. However, it is not as accurate for very tall or short individuals.
The Robinson formula offers a more conservative ideal weight and is ideal for smaller body frames.
Hence, for a better knowledge of your overall health, medical professionals other factors as well, such as BMI, body composition (body fat percentage), waist circumference, etc., beyond these formulas, for overall well-being and a healthy body.

FAQs

  • Q. What is the formula for ideal weight?

    Ans: There are several formulas used to calculate ideal body weight, such as the Devine Formula, Hamwi Formula, Robinson Formula, etc.
  • Q. What is the full form of IBW?

    Ans: IBW stands for Ideal Body Weight.
  • Q. What is the Devine formula for IBW?

    Ans: The Devine formula for ideal body weight is:
    • Men = 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet.
    • Women = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet.
  • Q. What is the formula for Hamwi ideal weight?

    Ans: The Hamwi formula for ideal weight is:
    • Men = 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet.
    • Women = 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet.
  • Q. What is the Robinson formula for ideal weight?

    Ans: The Robinson formula for ideal weight is:
    • Men = 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet.
    • Women = 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet.
  • Q. How to calculate ideal weight?

    Ans: You can easily calculate your ideal weight using your height and choosing an ideal body weight formula like the Devine, Hamwi, or Robinson formula.
  • Q. Which IBW formula is best?

    Ans: There is no one 'best' formula to calculate your ideal body weight, as it entirely depends on your needs and goals. However, you can use the Devine formula, Robinson formula and Hamwi formula to calculate your IBW.
  • Q. Is the Devine formula accurate?

    Ans: The Devine formula is generally accurate for average body types and medical dosing. However, it does not consider muscle mass or body composition and may be less accurate for athletes or overweight individuals.