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Understanding Your Ideal Weight

The Ideal Weight Calculator provides an estimate of what might be considered an "ideal" body weight based on your height and biological sex, using several popular historical formulas and a healthy BMI range. It's important to remember that these formulas provide estimations and do not account for individual factors like body composition (muscle vs. fat), bone density, or overall health.

⚖️ How to Use the Calculator

Using the calculator is straightforward:

1. Select Unit System: Choose between Metric (centimeters for height, kilograms for weight output) or Imperial (feet & inches for height, pounds for weight output).
2. Enter Your Height:
   • If Metric: Enter your height in centimeters.
   • If Imperial: Enter your height in feet and inches.
3. Select Your Biological Sex: Choose Male or Female, as the historical formulas differ based on sex.
4. Calculate: Click the "Calculate Ideal Weight" button.

The calculator will display a table showing the estimated ideal weight in both kilograms (kg) and pounds (lbs) according to several common formulas, plus a healthy weight range based on BMI guidelines.

📜 Formulas and Ranges Used

This calculator utilizes the following recognized formulas and ranges:

• Robinson Formula (1983):
  • Male: 52 kg + 1.9 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
  • Female: 49 kg + 1.7 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
• Miller Formula (1983):
  • Male: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
  • Female: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
• Devine Formula (1974):
  • Male: 50.0 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
  • Female: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
• Hamwi Formula (1964):
  • Male: 48.0 kg + 2.7 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
  • Female: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
• Lemmens Formula (BMI 22):
  • Based on a target Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22. Calculated as: Ideal Body Weight (kg) = 22 × (height in meters)².
• Healthy BMI Range (WHO):
  • Calculates a weight range corresponding to a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
    Lower Healthy Weight (kg) = 18.5 × (height in meters)²
    Upper Healthy Weight (kg) = 24.9 × (height in meters)²

Note: All formulas internally convert imperial height to inches, calculate the portion over 5 feet (60 inches), apply the respective factors, and then convert the final result to both kg and lbs.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why do the formulas give different results?

Each formula was developed at a different time by different researchers, using different data sets and assumptions. This is why it's best to look at the results as a range of estimates rather than a single, perfect number.

Which formula is the most accurate?

There is no single "most accurate" formula. The 'Healthy BMI Range' is often considered the most practical modern guideline as it provides a range rather than a single point. However, none of these formulas account for individual body composition (muscle vs. fat).

What is the main limitation of ideal weight calculators?

Their main limitation is that they do not consider body composition. A very athletic person with high muscle mass might be classified as "overweight" by these formulas despite being very healthy. They are general guidelines, not diagnostic tools. For a complete assessment, consult a healthcare professional.