Compare four classic ideal-weight formulas with the healthy BMI range for your height, and see why a range beats a single number.
Choose your sex, enter your height and tap Calculate.
Each bar shows one formula’s answer. The striped band is the healthy BMI range for your height.
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Good to know: These are estimates for general wellness, not medical advice. They’re made for healthy adults: if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, have a medical condition or follow a diet your doctor prescribed, talk to your doctor or a licensed dietitian first.
The Hamwi (1964) and Devine (1974) formulas were made by doctors, partly to estimate medicine doses. Robinson and Miller (both 1983) reworked them with newer data. All four use only your height and sex, and they were designed for adults about 5 feet (152 cm) and taller.
Frame size, muscle, age and where you carry weight all change what’s healthy for you. That’s why we show the healthy BMI range (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) next to the formulas: it gives you a span that fits most adults, not one number to chase.
The classic formulas weren’t built for you, so their answers can run low. Use the healthy BMI range instead, and talk with your doctor about what’s right for your body.
Numbers help, but they’re only part of the story. Josh coaches mindset first (he says it’s about 60 percent of the work), then consistency, with lots of variety so training stays fun.
He lost 62 pounds himself in his early 50s, so he knows the hard part isn’t the math. It’s showing up on busy days and getting back on track after a slip. Whatever your number, he helps you build strength and habits that make you feel good in your body.
For a personal eating plan or a medical diet, Josh will point you to your doctor or a licensed dietitian.
There isn’t one perfect number. For most adults, a healthy weight falls within the healthy BMI range for their height, which this calculator shows next to four classic formulas.
None is clearly best. Robinson and Miller tend to give lower numbers for taller people; Hamwi tends to give higher ones for men. Looking at all four plus the healthy BMI range gives a fair picture.
The formulas don’t include age, but your body does change. Keeping muscle and strength becomes more important than hitting a number as you get older.
No. They only use height and sex. If you’re muscular, a body-fat estimate is more useful than an ideal-weight formula.
No. It’s made for adults who aren’t pregnant. Please ask your doctor or pediatrician.
Numbers are a great start. Josh turns them into a plan you can keep, with training and habits built around your life, in the Palm Beach area or online.
