How to Use the Ideal Weight Range (Hamwi/Devine/Miller)
This calculator determines your ideal weight range using one or more of three evidence-based formulas: Hamwi (1964), Devine (1974), and Miller (1983). These methods are widely used by healthcare providers, dietitians, and fitness professionals to set personalized weight goals based on height and sex. Unlike BMI, which only provides categorical classifications, these formulas generate specific target weights that account for how weight naturally scales with height.
To use the calculator, you'll need to input your height (in feet and inches, or centimeters) and select your biological sex. You can optionally specify your frame size (small, medium, or large), which adjusts the result by 10-15% to account for skeletal structure and bone density differences. Frame size is typically estimated by measuring wrist circumference or assessing overall build, and this personalization makes the results more clinically relevant.
The calculator displays your ideal weight range, usually within a 5-10 pound band around the calculated value. This range accounts for natural variation and the fact that reaching an exact number is less important than achieving a healthy weight for your body. Use these results alongside other health indicators—such as body composition, fitness level, and bloodwork—to determine if your current weight is appropriate and what a realistic, sustainable goal should be.
Ideal Weight Ranges by Height (Men) Using Three Formulas
This table shows calculated ideal weights for men at various heights using Hamwi, Devine, and Miller formulas.
| Height | Hamwi (lbs) | Devine (lbs) | Miller (lbs) | Average Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5'6" | 148 | 147 | 146 | 146-148 |
| 5'8" | 160 | 159 | 158 | 158-160 |
| 5'10" | 172 | 172 | 170 | 170-172 |
| 6'0" | 184 | 184 | 182 | 182-184 |
| 6'2" | 196 | 196 | 194 | 194-196 |
| 6'4" | 208 | 208 | 206 | 206-208 |
Values assume medium frame size. Adjust ±10-15% for small or large frames respectively.
Ideal Weight Ranges by Height (Women) Using Three Formulas
This table shows calculated ideal weights for women at various heights using Hamwi, Devine, and Miller formulas.
| Height | Hamwi (lbs) | Devine (lbs) | Miller (lbs) | Average Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" | 100 | 100 | 101 | 100-101 |
| 5'2" | 110 | 110 | 111 | 110-111 |
| 5'4" | 120 | 120 | 121 | 120-121 |
| 5'6" | 130 | 130 | 131 | 130-131 |
| 5'8" | 140 | 140 | 141 | 140-141 |
| 5'10" | 150 | 150 | 151 | 150-151 |
Values assume medium frame size. Adjust ±10-15% for small or large frames respectively.
Frame Size Adjustment Factors
Frame size significantly impacts ideal weight calculations and should be applied as a percentage adjustment to base formula results.
| Frame Size | Adjustment | Example (5'10" Male at 172 lbs) | Adjusted Weight Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | -10% to -15% | 172 × 0.85 to 0.90 | 146-155 lbs |
| Medium | No adjustment | 172 × 1.0 | 172 lbs |
| Large | +10% to +15% | 172 × 1.10 to 1.15 | 189-198 lbs |
Wrist circumference <6.5 inches typically indicates small frame; 6.5-7.5 inches medium; >7.5 inches large.
Pro Tips
- Measure your height accurately in the morning before eating or drinking, as height can vary by up to half an inch throughout the day due to spinal compression.
- Estimate frame size by measuring your wrist circumference with a soft tape measure; divide height in inches by wrist circumference to get a frame index (smaller ratios indicate larger frames).
- Remember that the ideal weight range assumes average muscle mass and body composition; athletes with high muscle mass may healthily exceed the calculated range by 10-20 pounds.
- Use these formulas as a starting point, not a rigid target; sustainable weight changes of 1-2 pounds per week are more achievable and maintainable than rapid weight loss to reach an exact number.
- Combine ideal weight calculations with waist circumference measurements (<40 inches for men, <35 inches for women) to assess health more comprehensively than weight alone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Treating the ideal weight as an exact target rather than a range
The calculated weight should be viewed as a range (typically ±5 pounds), not a specific number to hit exactly. Fixating on reaching a precise weight can lead to unsustainable practices and unnecessary stress; focus instead on feeling healthy and maintaining that range long-term.
Ignoring frame size adjustments
Applying the raw formula result without adjusting for frame size (±10-15%) can lead to unrealistic goals for individuals with naturally larger or smaller skeletal structures. A large-framed person following a small-frame target weight may damage their health, while small-framed individuals might retain unnecessary weight.
Using these formulas for children, adolescents, or pregnant women
These formulas were developed and validated only for non-pregnant adults; applying them to children, teenagers, or pregnant women produces meaningless results. Pediatric growth charts and pregnancy-specific weight guidelines should be used instead for these populations.
Failing to account for muscle mass and body composition
Two people at the same height and weight can have dramatically different body compositions; someone with high muscle mass may be at a healthy weight while appearing heavier than the formula suggests. Combine these calculations with body composition analysis (via DEXA, bioelectrical impedance, or measurements) for a complete picture.
Mixing formulas or switching between them frequently
The three formulas produce slightly different results (typically 5-15 pound differences), causing confusion if you switch between them. Choose one formula and use it consistently to track progress and set realistic milestones rather than comparing results across different methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hamwi formula and how does it calculate ideal weight?
The Hamwi formula, developed in 1964, calculates ideal body weight based on height and sex. For men, it uses 106 pounds for the first 5 feet of height, plus 6 pounds for each additional inch. For women, it starts at 100 pounds for 5 feet, plus 5 pounds per additional inch. This method remains widely used by healthcare providers because it accounts for the relationship between height and proportional weight distribution.
How do the Devine and Miller formulas differ from Hamwi?
The Devine formula (1974) uses slightly adjusted coefficients: 50 kg for the first 5 feet plus 2.3 kg per inch for men, and 45.5 kg plus 2.3 kg per inch for women. The Miller formula (1983) further refined these calculations with 56.2 pounds plus 1.41 pounds per inch for men and 53.1 pounds plus 1.36 pounds per inch for women. All three methods produce similar results, with typical differences of 5-10 pounds between formulas for the same individual.
Why would I use this calculator instead of BMI?
These formulas provide actual weight targets rather than a weight range category like BMI does. While BMI (body mass index) only tells you if you're underweight, normal, overweight, or obese, the Hamwi/Devine/Miller methods give specific ideal weight ranges accounting for body frame and muscle mass. This approach is particularly useful for fitness professionals and healthcare providers who need precise weight goals for individual patients.
What does 'frame size' mean in ideal weight calculations?
Frame size refers to the skeletal structure and bone density of an individual, typically classified as small, medium, or large. Someone with a large frame may naturally weigh 10-15% more than the base ideal weight calculation, while a small frame might weigh 10-15% less. Frame size can be estimated by measuring wrist circumference or by assessing overall bone structure, making it important for personalizing ideal weight ranges.
Is a 5'10" male with ideal weight of 178 pounds healthy?
Using the Hamwi formula, a 5'10" male would have an ideal weight of approximately 178 pounds (106 + 60 pounds for 10 additional inches). If he has a medium frame, 178 pounds would be right on target. However, this should be combined with other health markers like BMI (approximately 25.5), body composition analysis, and cardiovascular fitness to determine overall health status.
Can these formulas be used for children and teenagers?
These formulas were developed and validated for adults and are not reliable for children and adolescents whose growth patterns differ significantly. Children's ideal weight depends heavily on age, developmental stage, and puberty timing, making traditional growth charts and pediatric BMI percentiles more appropriate. Healthcare providers should use age-specific growth references when assessing weight in individuals under 18 years old.
How much variation is normal between the three formulas?
For a 6-foot tall adult, the three formulas typically produce results within a 10-15 pound range of each other, which is clinically insignificant. For example, a 6' male might have ideal weights of 178 pounds (Hamwi), 180 pounds (Devine), or 177 pounds (Miller). Most healthcare providers choose one formula and stick with it for consistency, as all three are evidence-based and acceptable for clinical use.
Should I use metric or imperial measurements in this calculator?
Most ideal weight calculators accept both systems, though the original formulas were developed in pounds and inches. If entering height in centimeters and weight in kilograms, ensure the calculator clearly specifies which formula variant is being used, as the conversion between systems must be precise. Using consistent units throughout (either metric or imperial) reduces calculation errors and ensures accuracy.
What if my actual weight is significantly higher than the calculated ideal weight?
If your weight exceeds the ideal range by >20%, consulting with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian is advisable to develop a sustainable weight management plan. The ideal weight range should be achieved gradually through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, not crash dieting. Consider that muscle mass, bone density, and body composition all affect whether reaching the exact ideal weight is appropriate for your individual health profile.
References & Resources
Last updated: April 2026
- CDC Growth Charts and BMI Reference Standards
The CDC provides evidence-based growth and weight references used by healthcare providers to assess healthy weight ranges across age groups.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Obesity Guidelines
NHLBI offers evidence-based clinical guidelines on weight assessment, including formulas and methods for determining ideal weight ranges.
- American Dietetic Association Position on Weight Management
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides professional standards and evidence-based recommendations for weight assessment and management practices.
- PubMed Central: Comparison of Weight Prediction Formulas
PubMed Central hosts peer-reviewed research comparing the accuracy and clinical utility of Hamwi, Devine, Miller, and other ideal weight formulas.