The formulas we use
Each formula starts from a base weight at 5 feet (152.4 cm) and adds a set amount for every extra inch:
| Formula | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Robinson (1983) | 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch | 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch |
| Devine (1974) | 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch |
Healthy weight range by BMI
The most practical target is a weight that keeps your BMI in the healthy range. For Indians that is a BMI of 18.5–22.9; the WHO international range is 18.5–24.9. Multiply those numbers by your height in metres squared to get your range.
| Height | Healthy weight (Asian BMI) | Healthy weight (WHO BMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4 ft 11 in) | 41.6 – 51.5 kg | 41.6 – 56.0 kg |
| 155 cm (5 ft 1 in) | 44.4 – 55.0 kg | 44.4 – 59.8 kg |
| 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) | 47.4 – 58.6 kg | 47.4 – 63.7 kg |
| 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) | 50.4 – 62.3 kg | 50.4 – 67.8 kg |
| 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) | 53.5 – 66.2 kg | 53.5 – 72.0 kg |
| 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) | 56.7 – 70.1 kg | 56.7 – 76.3 kg |
| 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) | 59.9 – 74.2 kg | 59.9 – 80.7 kg |
Which number should I aim for?
Use the formulas as a rough guide and the BMI range as your main target. Your frame, muscle and age all matter. If you have a lot of muscle, a weight slightly above these numbers can still be healthy; check your body fat percentage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal weight for a 5 ft 5 in woman?
For a woman 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) tall, the four formulas give about 56–60 kg, and the healthy Asian BMI range is about 50–62 kg.
What is the ideal weight for a 5 ft 8 in man?
For a man 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) tall, the four formulas give about 67–70 kg, and the healthy Asian BMI range is about 55–68.5 kg.
Why do the formulas give different answers?
They were created by different researchers for different purposes, such as drug dosing. That is why we show all four and the BMI range together.
Does age change my ideal weight?
The formulas do not use age. After 65, a BMI slightly higher than 23 may be fine, but ask your doctor.
Sources
- Devine BJ (1974); Robinson JD et al. (1983); Miller DR et al. (1983); Hamwi GJ (1964). Ideal body weight equations.
- WHO Expert Consultation. Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies. The Lancet, 2004. Link
- World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight fact sheet. Link
Last updated: 20 October 2026. Read our editorial policy.
