Ideal Weight Calculator
Find a healthy weight target for your height
An Ideal Weight Calculator estimates the weight range that is considered healthy for your height and gender. It uses the Hamwi formula, one of the most widely used clinical methods, which sets a base weight for a height of 5 feet (152.4 cm) and adds a fixed amount per additional inch of height.
For males:
[Ideal Weight = 48 kg + 2.7 kg for every inch over 5 feet]
For females:
[Ideal Weight = 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg for every inch over 5 feet]
Height in centimetres is automatically converted to feet and inches for the calculation. Keep in mind that ideal weight is a general guideline — factors like muscle mass, bone density, age, and body composition all play a role in what a healthy weight looks like for you personally. Use this result alongside your BMI and body fat percentage for a more complete picture.
Example
Let's take a female who is 168 cm tall (approximately 5 feet 6 inches).
Step 1 — convert height to inches over 5 feet:
168 cm − 152.4 cm = 15.6 cm ÷ 2.54 = 6.14 inches over 5 feet
Step 2 — apply the Hamwi formula for females:
[Ideal Weight = 45.5 + (2.2 × 6.14) = 45.5 + 13.5 = 59.0 kg]
So a woman who is 168 cm tall has an estimated ideal weight of around 59 kg. This is a starting point — not a strict target. A healthy weight range varies by individual, and consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended for personalised guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ideal weight calculated?
This calculator uses the Hamwi formula: for men, 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch over 5 feet; for women, 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch over 5 feet. Height in cm is automatically converted to feet and inches.
How do I get my ideal weight in pounds?
Select Imperial using the toggle at the bottom-left of the screen. Enter your height in feet and inches, and your ideal weight result will be shown in lbs instead of kg.
Is ideal weight the same as healthy weight?
Ideal weight formulas provide a general guideline. Your doctor may recommend a different range based on your body composition, age, muscle mass, and personal health history.
Does ideal weight differ for men and women?
Yes. The Hamwi formula uses different base weights and per-inch additions for men and women, because men typically carry more muscle mass and bone density.
What if I am shorter than 5 feet?
The Hamwi formula bases ideal weight at exactly 5 feet (152.4 cm). For heights below 5 feet, the calculator uses the base weight (48 kg for men, 45.5 kg for women) without subtracting, providing a floor estimate.
What is the ideal weight for a 5'6" woman?
Using the Hamwi formula: 45.5 + (2.2 × 6 inches) = 45.5 + 13.2 = 58.7 kg (about 129 lbs). This is a clinical estimate — healthy weight ranges are broader, and factors like muscle mass and frame size matter.
What is the ideal weight for a 6'0" man?
Using the Hamwi formula: 48 + (2.7 × 12 inches) = 48 + 32.4 = 80.4 kg (about 177 lbs). A 6-foot man in the normal BMI range (18.5–24.9) would weigh between 60 and 82 kg, so the Hamwi result sits near the upper end of that range.
Why is my ideal weight different from what the BMI calculator says?
The Hamwi ideal weight formula and BMI use different approaches. BMI gives a range (18.5–24.9 is 'normal'), while Hamwi gives a single point estimate. Hamwi's single target often falls around BMI 21–22 for most heights. If you have more muscle than average, a slightly higher weight is still healthy.
How do I reach my ideal weight safely?
A safe rate of weight loss is 0.5–1 kg per week, achieved through a daily calorie deficit of 500–1,000 kcal below your TDEE. Combining moderate cardio with resistance training preserves muscle while losing fat, keeping your metabolism higher than diet alone would.
Is the ideal weight formula accurate for older adults?
The Hamwi formula was developed primarily for clinical use in adults of working age. Research suggests that for adults over 65, a slightly higher BMI (23–27) is associated with better outcomes. Older adults may carry less muscle and more visceral fat at the same ideal weight number, so consult a doctor before using this as a weight-loss target.