Healthy weight range
Health services in the UK, US, Canada and the Netherlands define a healthy adult weight as a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. For your height, that gives a range rather than a single number, and anywhere inside it is considered healthy.
Healthy weight = 18.5 × height (m)² to 24.9 × height (m)²
Worked example: for a height of 5 ft 10 in (1.778 m), the healthy range is 18.5 × 3.16 = 58.5 kg to 24.9 × 3.16 = 78.7 kg (about 129 lb to 173 lb, or 9 st 3 lb to 12 st 6 lb).
The classic ideal weight formulas
| Formula | Men | Women | 5 ft 10 in man |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devine (1974) | 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 ft | 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch | 73.0 kg |
| Robinson (1983) | 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch | 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch | 71.0 kg |
| Miller (1983) | 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch | 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch | 70.3 kg |
| Hamwi (1964) | 48 kg + 2.7 kg per inch | 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg per inch | 75.0 kg |
These formulas were created mainly to estimate drug doses, and the Devine formula is still used in hospitals for that purpose. They give one number and ignore frame size and muscle, so they are best read as rough reference points.
Pro-tip: waist size is often a better health guide than weight alone. NICE advises keeping your waist to less than half your height.
Medical note: a healthy weight depends on more than height. Speak to a doctor before trying to reach a specific weight, especially if you have a medical condition.
Sources
- NHS and CDC, healthy weight and BMI guidance
- Devine BJ. Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intell Clin Pharm, 1974
- Robinson JD et al. Am J Hosp Pharm, 1983; Miller DR et al. Am J Hosp Pharm, 1983
- Hamwi GJ. Therapy: changing dietary concepts. 1964
Frequently asked questions
What is my ideal weight for my height?
For adults, any weight that gives a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. At 5 ft 10 in that is about 58.5 to 78.7 kg (129 to 173 lb).
Why do the formulas give different answers?
Each was based on different data and designed for slightly different uses, mainly medicine dosing. The healthy BMI range is a better personal guide.
Does frame size affect ideal weight?
Yes. People with a larger frame or more muscle can be healthy towards the top of the range. The single-number formulas do not account for this.
What is the ideal weight in stone?
Choose UK units and the calculator shows the healthy range in stone and pounds. For 5 ft 10 in, it is about 9 st 3 lb to 12 st 6 lb.