Explain it like I'm 12
The ideal body weight calculator converts height to inches over five feet, applies adult IBW formulas, and cross-checks the result against the BMI 18.5-24.9 range.
Health & Fitness
Ideal Body Weight Calculator
Estimate ideal body weight using Devine and Hamwi-style adult formulas, with BMI-range cross-checks.
Calculator
Working calculator
Live result73.2 kgDevine estimate for 178 cm. BMI 18.5-24.9 range: 58.6-78.9 kg.
Formula used
Devine IBW kg = 50 + 2.3 × inches over 5 ft for male formula, or 45.5 + 2.3 × inches over 5 ft for female formula.
This is the method behind the answer, so the result can be checked rather than simply trusted.Visual grid
This number is one point on a larger pattern
Ideal Body Weight is not just a final answer. It is a step on a line: before and after, input and output, assumption and result.
Micro-timehours, minutes, shiftsHuman scaledays, weeks, projectsMacro-timemonths, years, calendars
InputFormulaResult
73.2 kgCalculationTime keeps the path visible: the input, the method and the final number belong together.
CalculationTime
Ideal Body Weight Calculation Report
73.2 kgDevine estimate for 178 cm. BMI 18.5-24.9 range: 58.6-78.9 kg.
Inputs
- Formula sex
- Male formula
- Height
- 178 cm
Method
Devine IBW kg = 50 + 2.3 × inches over 5 ft for male formula, or 45.5 + 2.3 × inches over 5 ft for female formula.
- A 178 cm adult is about 10.1 inches over 5 ft. Male Devine IBW is 50 + 2.3×10.1 = about 73.2 kg.
Assumptions
- Adult screening formulas only.
- Body composition, ethnicity, age, pregnancy, athlete status and clinical needs are not captured.
- This is not a diagnosis or prescription.
Notes
Use this space on the printed report for client, supplier, classroom, job-location, measurement, quote or approval notes.
Source references
- CDC Adult BMI — BMI range reference
Formula
Devine IBW kg = 50 + 2.3 × inches over 5 ft for male formula, or 45.5 + 2.3 × inches over 5 ft for female formula.
Worked example
A 178 cm adult is about 10.1 inches over 5 ft. Male Devine IBW is 50 + 2.3×10.1 = about 73.2 kg.
Professional note
Master’s Tip: compare IBW against a healthy BMI range instead of treating one formula as a perfect target.
Regional and unit assumptions
Adult health education estimate using metric height.
Assumptions and limitations
- Adult screening formulas only.
- Body composition, ethnicity, age, pregnancy, athlete status and clinical needs are not captured.
- This is not a diagnosis or prescription.
Methodology & Accuracy
How this calculator is checked
CalculationTime pages are built around visible arithmetic: the formula, assumptions, worked example and practical limitations are shown so the result can be checked rather than simply trusted.
Formula used
Devine IBW kg = 50 + 2.3 × inches over 5 ft for male formula, or 45.5 + 2.3 × inches over 5 ft for female formula.
Standard or basis
Adult health education estimate using metric height.
Where a calculator follows a named legal, trade or industry standard, that standard is cited visibly. Otherwise the page uses transparent general arithmetic and states its limits.Master's Tip
Master’s Tip: compare IBW against a healthy BMI range instead of treating one formula as a perfect target.
Related calculators
Questions
Is ideal body weight medically exact?
No. It is a formula estimate and should not replace clinical assessment.
Why show a BMI range too?
A range is usually more honest than a single target because healthy body size varies.