What Should My Ideal Weight Be Calculator

Ideal Body Weight Formula:

\[ \text{IBW (kg)} = \begin{cases} 50 + 0.91 \times (\text{height (cm)} - 152.4) & \text{for males} \\ 45.5 + 0.91 \times (\text{height (cm)} - 152.4) & \text{for females} \end{cases} \]

Ideal Body Weight (IBW):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Ideal Body Weight?

Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is an estimate of what a person should weigh based on their height and gender. It provides a target weight range that is associated with the lowest risk of health problems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

\[ \text{IBW (kg)} = \begin{cases} 50 + 0.91 \times (\text{height (cm)} - 152.4) & \text{for males} \\ 45.5 + 0.91 \times (\text{height (cm)} - 152.4) & \text{for females} \end{cases} \]

Where:

\( height \) — Height in centimeters
Different constants are used for males and females

Explanation: This formula calculates an ideal weight based on the assumption that for every additional centimeter above 152.4 cm (5 feet), an additional 0.91 kg should be added to a base weight.

3. Importance of Ideal Body Weight

Details: Knowing your ideal body weight can help guide weight management goals, assess nutritional status, and determine appropriate medication dosages that are weight-based.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your height in centimeters, select your gender, and click calculate. For accurate results, measure your height without shoes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Ideal Body Weight the same for everyone of the same height?
A: No, IBW formulas provide estimates and don't account for factors like body composition, bone structure, or muscle mass. They should be used as general guidelines.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This formula provides a reasonable estimate for most adults, but individual variations exist. It's most useful as a starting point for weight management.

Q3: Should athletes use this formula?
A: Athletes with higher muscle mass may weigh more than their IBW without being overweight. Body composition measurements may be more appropriate.

Q4: Are there different formulas for calculating IBW?
A: Yes, several formulas exist (Devine, Robinson, Miller) with slightly different calculations. This calculator uses one of the commonly accepted formulas.

Q5: How does age affect ideal body weight?
A: While this formula doesn't account for age, ideal weight may change with age due to changes in body composition. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.