Decision tools built for clarity

Ideal Weight Formula Comparison

Compare four historical height-based ideal-body-weight formulas and their spread.

Enter the required values, select the applicable options, and calculate.

“Ideal weight” is a historical term; these formulas do not define a healthy target for an individual.

Methodology

Formula or transformation

Compares the Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi historical height-based equations.

Variables

  1. Height in inches above five feet
  2. Devine estimate in kilograms
  3. Robinson estimate in kilograms
  4. Miller estimate in kilograms
  5. Hamwi estimate in kilograms

Units

  • Inch
  • Kilogram
  • Pound

Rounding policy

Kilogram estimates are rounded to the declared result scale using half away from zero.

Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi estimates are calculated independently from sex and height, then summarized as a range.

Compare four historical height-based ideal-body-weight formulas and their spread.

Reviewed sources

  1. PubMed / U.S. National Library of Medicine — The origin of the ideal body weight equations Reviewed on 2026-09-07
  2. PubMed / U.S. National Library of Medicine — Robinson ideal body weight formula record Reviewed on 2026-09-07
  3. PubMed / U.S. National Library of Medicine — Determining ideal body weight and mass Reviewed on 2026-09-07
  4. PubMed Central — Historical cautions about ideal body weight Reviewed on 2026-09-07

Formula review history

  1. Initial historical formula and source review.

    Reviewed 2026-09-07 for formula version historical-reference-weight-comparison-v1

Assumptions

  • Inputs are interpreted using the displayed units and options.
  • The calculation follows the methodology and factors listed in the sources.

Limitations

  • Display rounding can hide additional decimal places.
  • The calculation cannot add accuracy that is absent from the submitted inputs.
  • “Ideal weight” is a historical term; these formulas do not define a healthy target for an individual.

Worked example

For a 70-inch male, the four estimates range from 70.15 kg to about 75.30 kg.

Frequently asked questions

Are the calculations deterministic?

Yes. The same valid inputs and options produce the same canonical result.

Can I use decimal values?

Use decimal values where the displayed input accepts them.