What weight is healthy for your height? This free calculator shows the range of weights that fall in the healthy BMI band (18.5 to 24.9) for adults, in kilograms or pounds. You can also see four classic reference formulas, which are included for context, with a clear note on why they are only rough.
How the healthy weight range is worked out
The range comes from the body mass index (BMI) formula turned around. BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, so a weight for a given BMI is BMI × height² (in meters). The World Health Organization and the CDC call a BMI from 18.5 to 24.9 the healthy range for adults. At 170 cm (5 ft 7 in), that works out to about 53.5 to 72.0 kg (118 to 159 lb).
| Height | Healthy range (kg) | Healthy range (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4 ft 11 in) | 41.6 to 56.0 kg | 92 to 124 lb |
| 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) | 47.4 to 63.7 kg | 104 to 141 lb |
| 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) | 53.5 to 72.0 kg | 118 to 159 lb |
| 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) | 59.9 to 80.7 kg | 132 to 178 lb |
| 190 cm (6 ft 3 in) | 66.8 to 89.9 kg | 147 to 198 lb |
The classic formulas, and why they are only rough
Before BMI became common, doctors used simple formulas that add a fixed amount of weight for every inch of height above 5 feet. The calculator shows four of them, from 1964 to 1983:
| Formula | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch |
| Robinson (1983) | 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch | 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch |
These formulas were never meant to be exact. They use only height and sex, so they ignore muscle, bone and frame size, age and where you carry fat. They also disagree with each other, and with BMI, particularly for tall and short people. We show them for context only and we do not call any single number your “ideal” weight.
Why a range works better than one number
- Bodies differ. Two people of the same height can both be healthy at weights several kilograms apart.
- Muscle weighs more than fat. Strong, muscular people may be above the range and still have low body fat. Check with our body fat calculator.
- Fat distribution matters. Weight carried around the waist carries more health risk. The waist-to-height ratio calculator adds this view.
- Age and ethnicity. Some research suggests slightly higher weights are not harmful in older adults, and that people of South Asian and some other backgrounds face higher risk at lower BMI. A healthcare professional can advise you.
Next steps
Your weight is only one part of your health. Check your BMI, estimate your daily needs with the calorie calculator, and build habits that matter at any weight: regular movement (see our walking guide) and good sleep (8 sleep habits).
Talk to a professional if…
- You are far below or above the range, or your weight has changed without trying.
- You have a history of an eating disorder, or thinking about weight is causing you distress.
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding or under 18. This tool is for adults only.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy weight for my height?
For most adults it is the weight range that gives a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. Use the calculator above for your exact height. It is a range, and your best weight within it depends on your build and health.
Is the healthy weight range the same for men and women?
The BMI-based range is the same for adults of any sex. The older formulas differ by sex, which is why the calculator shows them separately.
Why does the calculator not say “ideal weight”?
No single number is ideal for everyone. Old formulas for “ideal body weight” ignore muscle, frame and age. A range, combined with waist size and other health checks, is more honest and more useful.
Does the healthy weight range change as I get older?
The official BMI categories stay the same for adults, but many experts accept that a weight slightly above the range can be fine in later life, and that losing weight without trying is a reason to see a doctor.
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This calculator provides general estimates for healthy adults and is for information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Read our disclaimer and editorial policy.