This tool is for general informational and fitness purposes only and is not medical advice. Ideal body weight is a single reference figure based on height and sex; it does not account for your frame, muscle, age, or overall health. Talk to a doctor or qualified professional before making any health, diet, or training decisions.
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The Devine formula uses only sex and height. Choose your height units below.
How the Devine formula works
The Devine formula, published by Dr. B. J. Devine in 1974, estimates ideal body weight from sex and height alone. It starts from a baseline weight for someone exactly 5 feet (60 inches) tall and adds a fixed amount for every inch above that. For men the formula is 50 kilograms plus 2.3 kilograms for each inch over 60 inches; for women it is 45.5 kilograms plus 2.3 kilograms for each inch over 60 inches. The 2.3 kilograms per inch is a straight-line approximation of how much bone, muscle, and organ mass a taller frame typically carries. Because it uses height only, it is a reference point, not a personal goal, and muscular or larger-framed people often weigh more while still being healthy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Devine formula for ideal body weight?
It estimates ideal body weight from sex and height. For men it is 50 kg plus 2.3 kg for every inch over 5 feet; for women it is 45.5 kg plus 2.3 kg for every inch over 5 feet. Dr. B. J. Devine published it in 1974, and it is widely used in medicine, mainly to help estimate certain drug doses.
Is this ideal weight a health target?
Not exactly. Ideal body weight is a single reference figure based only on height and sex. It ignores your frame size, muscle mass, age, and body composition, so a healthy range for you may be wider. Treat the result as a rough reference and ask a doctor for a target that fits you.
Why do men and women get different numbers?
The formula uses a higher baseline for men (50 kg at 5 feet) than for women (45.5 kg at 5 feet) because, on average, men carry more lean mass at the same height. Above 5 feet both add the same 2.3 kg per inch.
What if I am shorter than 5 feet?
The formula was designed for heights of 5 feet and up, so below that it can give very low or unrealistic results. This calculator still shows a number but flags it as outside the formula's intended range. Use it only as a rough guide for shorter statures.
Is my data saved anywhere?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser. Nothing you enter is uploaded or saved on a server.
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Disclaimer: Results are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not medical advice. Always double-check important figures and consult a qualified professional.