How the Devine formula works
The Devine formula starts from a base weight at 5 feet (60 inches) and adds 2.3 kg for every inch above that. Men start at 50 kg, women at 45.5 kg. At 70 inches a man reaches 50 + 2.3 × 10 = 73.0 kg. Pair this with the lean body mass calculator to see how much is muscle versus fat. The formulas here are height-based, much like the BMI calculator.
Why "ideal" is just a reference
Ideal weight figures are population averages, not personal targets. Frame size, muscle mass and age all shift what is healthy for you. This is a general wellness estimate, not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional for personal guidance.
The formula also has no age term, so it returns the same target at 25 and at 65 even though body composition shifts across the decades. Composition tells you more than a target number, so check the body fat calculator too.
Using it with other metrics
Ideal weight pairs well with the BMR calculator for daily calorie planning. Think of it as a ballpark, then adjust based on how you look, feel and perform.
A healthy range is wider than any single figure suggests. Plenty of people sit several kilograms either side of the Devine number in good health, especially if they carry more muscle or have a broad frame. If you want a range rather than a point, the weights that put your BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 at your height cover most healthy options, and the Devine result normally falls inside that band. Athletes in particular should look at the lean body mass calculator before judging a weight.
Frequently asked questions
- What formula does this use?
- The Devine formula: 50 + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet for men, 45.5 + 2.3 for women.
- Is ideal weight the same as a healthy weight?
- Not exactly. It is a reference figure; a healthy range can be wider depending on your build.
- Does it account for muscle?
- No. Very muscular people may exceed the figure without excess fat — check lean body mass too.
- What if I am below 5 feet tall?
- The formula subtracts 2.3 kg per inch under 60 inches, so shorter heights give lower targets.
- Should I use the result as a weight loss goal?
- Treat it as a reference point rather than a goal. The Devine formula was written for drug dosing, not body-image targets, and it ignores frame size, age and muscle. It is a general estimate, not medical advice.