Weight references for a height, and their limits
Enter an adult height. The tool shows the weight band for a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 and four historical formulas. These numbers disagree: they are statistical markers, not a weight to aim for.
General information, not medical advice. This result does not replace a doctor. If in doubt or if you have symptoms, see a health professional.
Result
50.4 – 67.8WHO BMI 18.5 to 24.9 band (kg)
- Devine formula, 1974 (kg)
- 56.9
- Robinson formula, 1983 (kg)
- 57.4
- Miller formula, 1983 (kg)
- 59.8
- Hamwi formula, 1964 (kg)
- 56.4
- These values are not a goal. A weight that suits you is something to discuss with a health professional.
Inputs
- Sex (for the formula)
- Woman
- Height
- 165
How it is calculated
WHO band: weight = BMI × height in m × height in m, with BMI 18.5 then 24.9.
Result
WHO BMI 18.5 to 24.9 band (kg)
- Devine formula, 1974 (kg)
- 56.9
- Robinson formula, 1983 (kg)
- 57.4
- Miller formula, 1983 (kg)
- 59.8
How it is calculated
- WHO band: weight = BMI × height in m × height in m, with BMI 18.5 then 24.9.
- The historical formulas start from a value at 1.52 m (5 feet) and add a fixed number of kg per inch (2.54 cm) above it.
- Devine: 50 kg (man) or 45.5 kg (woman) + 2.3 kg per inch. Robinson, Miller and Hamwi use other values.
Example
Woman, 165 cm: WHO band 50.4 to 67.8 kg; Devine 56.9 kg, Robinson 57.4 kg, Miller 59.8 kg, Hamwi 56.4 kg.
Good to know
- The historical formulas were made to dose medicines, not to set a personal weight.
- They ignore age, muscle, frame and background. They do not suit children or pregnancy.
- None of these numbers says whether a person is healthy.
Sources
- WHO adult BMI classification (TRS 894, 2000)
- Pai M.P., Paloucek F.P., The origin of the “ideal” body weight equations, Ann Pharmacother, 2000
Frequently asked questions
What is this tool used for?
Enter an adult height. The tool shows the weight band for a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 and four historical formulas. These numbers disagree: they are statistical markers, not a weight to aim for.
How is the result calculated?
WHO band: weight = BMI × height in m × height in m, with BMI 18.5 then 24.9.
What should I check before using the result?
The historical formulas were made to dose medicines, not to set a personal weight.