Compare Devine, Robinson and Miller equations with a BMI-based adult reference range without presenting a medical ideal.
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cm
The historical equations are calculated from their 152.4 cm baseline.
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For illustration only – your own calculation is what counts.
Explanation
How Ideal Weight Calculator works
The ideal weight calculator compares three established historical equations with a BMI-based adult reference range. No result is presented as a medically ideal weight.
BMI-based weight range
Reference rangeWeight = BMI limit × height² (m²)
The bounds use 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m² from the WHO adult BMI classification.
Devine, Robinson and Miller
Historical equationsFormula value = base weight + increment × inches over 5 feet
Base weight and increment differ by equation and published sex variant.
The equations have historical clinical origins and include neither body composition nor individual health. Their differences show why one calculated target cannot define a medical ideal.
Practice
Practical examples
For illustration only – your own calculation is what counts.
Male variant at 175 cm
Compare three historical equations and the BMI-based range at 175 cm.
Result: BMI range 56.7–76.3 kg; Devine 70.5 kg, Robinson 68.1 kg and Miller 68.7 kg.
Female variant at 165 cm
Compare three historical equations and the BMI-based range at 165 cm.
Result: BMI range 50.4–67.8 kg; Devine 56.9 kg, Robinson 56.9 kg and Miller 59.8 kg.
Notes
Common mistakes
Treating one value as ideal
A historical equation is interpreted as the medically correct target weight.
Read the range and formula differences as numerical guidance.
Ignoring historical purpose
Clinical dosing equations are treated as a modern health model.
Consider their origin and limited inputs explicitly.
Applying it to children or pregnancy
Adult values are transferred to special groups without adjustment.
Use appropriate professional references and advice.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is there one medically ideal weight?
No. The calculator shows historical formula values and a BMI-based range, not an individually ideal medical target.
Which equations are compared?
Devine, Robinson and Miller are compared. Each uses a five-foot base plus a sex-specific increment per additional inch.
What were these equations developed for?
They largely come from clinical and drug-related contexts and are not comprehensive health models.
How is the reference range calculated?
Height in metres squared is multiplied by 18.5 and 24.9 to convert the WHO adult BMI range into weights.
Why do the formula values differ?
They use different base weights and increments per inch, so the same height produces different results.
Why does input start at 152.4 cm?
The historical equations use five feet as their baseline; this calculator does not extrapolate below it.
Is this calculator suitable for children?
No. Children and adolescents require age- and sex-specific growth references.
Is the range suitable during pregnancy?
No. Pregnancy-related weight changes are not covered.
Does it include muscle mass or build?
No. Body composition, fat distribution, bone structure and training status are not inputs.
Can I derive a weight-loss or treatment target?
No. The result is numerical guidance, not an individual recommendation or treatment plan.
Limits
Limitations
No result defines a medically ideal body weight.
Body composition, age, pregnancy, illness and individual build are absent.
Historical equations are calculated only from their five-foot (152.4 cm) baseline.
Sources
Sources and references
Determination of ideal body weight for drug dosage calculationsAmerican Journal of Hospital Pharmacy / PubMed
Original publication of the Robinson equations (male 51.65 kg + 1.85 kg per inch over five feet; female 48.67 kg + 1.65 kg per inch), derived from historical height–weight tables for dosage calculations. The rounded variant (52 kg / 1.9 kg and 49 kg / 1.7 kg respectively) is only a common depiction, not the formula used.
View sourceRetrieved: 08/19/2026 · Verified on: 08/19/2026
The origin of the “ideal” body weight equationsAnnals of Pharmacotherapy
Scholarly review of the origin, equations and initial clinical context of Devine, Robinson and Miller.
View sourceRetrieved: 08/19/2026 · Verified on: 08/19/2026
Universal equation for estimating ideal body weight and body weight at any BMIAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition / PubMed
Critically compares historical ideal-weight equations with BMI-based ranges and supports using a range rather than one value.
View sourceRetrieved: 08/19/2026 · Verified on: 08/19/2026
Obesity and overweightWorld Health Organization (WHO)
Provides the formula and thresholds of the WHO adult BMI classification.
View sourceRetrieved: 08/19/2026 · Verified on: 08/19/2026 · Primary source
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