Ideal Weight Calculator
Calculate your Ideal Body Weight using the Hamwi formula and see your healthy BMI range.
👨 For Men
106 lbs + 6 lbs per inch over 5'
Base weight of 106 lbs for first 5 feet
👩 For Women
100 lbs + 5 lbs per inch over 5'
Base weight of 100 lbs for first 5 feet
📊 About the Hamwi Formula
Developed in 1964, the Hamwi formula was originally for drug dosage calculations but became a standard for health assessments. It provides a quick estimate—not a strict rule.
⚠️ Limitations
Muscle Mass
Athletes weigh more due to muscle density
Frame Size
Broader shoulders/hips affect target
Age
Healthy ranges shift with age
Formula Source:
American Journal of Clinical NutritionReal-World Ideal Weight Scenarios
Scenario 1: Average Height Woman
Height5'4" (64 inches)
GenderFemale
Base (5ft)100 lbs
Additional Inches4 inches × 5 lbs = 20 lbs
Hamwi Ideal Weight120 lbs
Healthy BMI Range108 - 145 lbs
💡 Info:The Hamwi method is more aggressive than BMI ranges, providing a specific 'target' rather than a wide range.
Scenario 2: Tall Man
Height6'2" (74 inches)
GenderMale
Base (5ft)106 lbs
Additional Inches14 inches × 6 lbs = 84 lbs
Hamwi Ideal Weight190 lbs
Healthy BMI Range144 - 194 lbs
✅ Success:At 190 lbs, this individual is near the top of the healthy BMI range, reflecting higher muscle and bone density in taller males.
Scenario 3: Short Man
Height5'7" (67 inches)
GenderMale
Base (5ft)106 lbs
Additional Inches7 inches × 6 lbs = 42 lbs
Hamwi Ideal Weight148 lbs
Healthy BMI Range118 - 159 lbs
💡 Info:Ideal weight formulas provide a helpful baseline for nutritionists to set weight loss or gain goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ideal Body Weight (IBW)?
Ideal Body Weight is a weight range that is statistically associated with the lowest mortality rates for a given height and gender. It is often calculated using formulas like Hamwi or Devine.
Which formula is used for Ideal Weight?
This calculator primarily uses the Hamwi Formula (1964), which is widely used by dietitians to determine a target weight based on frame size. We also provide the 'Healthy BMI Range' for comparison.
Is the result accurate for everyone?
No formula is perfect. The Hamwi formula does not account for muscle mass or body frame size variations. Athletes with high muscle mass may weigh more than their 'ideal' weight but still be healthy.
How does gender affect ideal weight?
Biologically, men tend to have more muscle mass and heavier bone density than women of the same height. Therefore, the formulas usually allow for a slightly higher weight base for men.