Ideal Weight for Women by Height (Devine, Robinson & Hamwi)
Find your ideal weight for women by height using three evidence-based formulas (Devine, Robinson, Hamwi). Includes a reference chart from 5'0" to 6'0" and frame size adjustments.
- National Library of Medicine / PubMed data · July 2026
- Edited by Martín Rodríguez
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Data updated: · Source: Devine, B. J. (1974). Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy
Edited by: Martín Rodríguez (editorial policy ) · Last editorial review:
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Devine Formula (lb)
Devine ideal weight: 130 lb (3-formula average ≈ 130 lb)
Robinson Formula (lb)
Hamwi Formula (lb)
Average of 3 Formulas (lb)
Devine ideal weight: 130 lb (3-formula average ≈ 130 lb)
Recommended Range (lb)
Your Current BMI
Ideal BMI Range
Difference from Average (lb)
Weight Status
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Wondering what you should weigh at your height? This calculator uses the three evidence-based clinical formulas — Devine, Robinson, and Hamwi — to give you a personalized ideal weight range. Each was developed from large population studies and used by healthcare providers worldwide. Enter your height, current weight, and frame size to get all three estimates and see exactly where you stand.
When to use this calculator
- Checking your ideal weight target for a specific height
- Comparing the Devine, Robinson, and Hamwi formulas side by side
- Adjusting ideal weight for small, medium, or large frame size
- Health professionals assessing patient goals and nutritional needs
- Fitness enthusiasts setting realistic weight targets
- Pre-surgery or medical clearance weight benchmarking
Ideal Weight for Women by Height — Three Clinical Formulas (Medium Frame)
| Height | Devine (lb) | Robinson (lb) | Hamwi (lb) | Average (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" | 100 | 108 | 100 | 103 |
| 5'1" | 105 | 112 | 105 | 107 |
| 5'2" | 110 | 116 | 110 | 112 |
| 5'3" | 115 | 119 | 114 | 116 |
| 5'4" | 120 | 123 | 119 | 121 |
| 5'5" | 125 | 127 | 124 | 125 |
| 5'6" | 130 | 131 | 129 | 130 |
| 5'7" | 135 | 134 | 134 | 134 |
| 5'8" | 140 | 138 | 139 | 139 |
| 5'9" | 145 | 142 | 143 | 143 |
| 5'10" | 150 | 146 | 148 | 148 |
| 5'11" | 155 | 149 | 153 | 152 |
| 6'0" | 160 | 153 | 158 | 157 |
Fuente: Devine (1974), Robinson et al. (1983), Hamwi (1964) — vía National Library of Medicine / PubMed. Valores para frame mediano; frame pequeño: −10%; frame grande: +10%. Fórmulas: Devine = 100 + 5×(inches−60); Robinson = 108 + 3.75×(inches−60); Hamwi = 100 + 4.85×(inches−60).
How it works
Ideal Weight for Women by Height — Reference Chart
The table below shows ideal weight for women using the Devine formula (medium frame), the most widely used clinical standard. Small frame = subtract 10%; large frame = add 10%.
All values in pounds (lb), medium frame.
The Three Formulas Explained
Devine Formula (1974) — Most Used Clinically
Originally published for calculating drug dosages, the Devine formula is the most common in clinical and pharmacy settings:
IBW for women (lb) = 100 + 5 × (height in inches − 60)For a woman of 5'6" (66 inches): 100 + 5 × (66 − 60) = 130 lb.
Small frame: 130 × 0.9 = 117 lb | Large frame: 130 × 1.1 = 143 lb.
Robinson Formula (1983) — Most Conservative
Robinson updated Devine's constants using a broader population sample:
IBW for women (lb) = 108 + 3.75 × (height in inches − 60)For 5'6": 108 + 3.75 × 6 = 130.5 lb — nearly identical to Devine at average heights.
Hamwi Formula (1964) — Clinical Nutrition Standard
Originally designed for diabetic patients, the Hamwi formula uses metric constants converted to pounds:
IBW for women (lb) = 100 + 4.85 × (height in inches − 60)For 5'6": 100 + 4.85 × 6 = 129 lb.
Worked Example
Woman, 5'6" (66 inches), medium frame, current weight 155 lb:
Frame Size Adjustments
| Frame Size | Adjustment | How to Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Small | −10% | Wrist <5.75" (women under 5'2"); <6.0" (5'2"–5'5"); <6.25" (over 5'5") |
| Medium | No change | Average wrist measurement |
| Large | +10% | Wrist >6.25" (under 5'2"); >6.5" (5'2"–5'5"); >6.75" (over 5'5") |
Important Limitations
Example: 5'6" woman, medium frame
Height above 5 ft: 66 in − 60 = 6 inches
Devine: 100 + 5 × 6 = 130 lb
Robinson: 108 + 3.75 × 6 = 130.5 lb; Hamwi: 100 + 4.85 × 6 ≈ 129 lb
Average of the three: (130 + 130.5 + 129) ÷ 3 ≈ 130 lb
Devine ideal weight: 130 lb (3-formula average ≈ 130 lb)
Disclaimer: Results are indicative and do not replace professional medical advice. Before making decisions that matter, consult a licensed physician, registered dietitian, or qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal weight for a 5'4" woman?
For a 5'4" woman with a medium frame: Devine formula = 120 lb, Robinson = 123 lb, Hamwi = 119 lb, average = 121 lb. Small frame reduces this by ~10% (109–111 lb); large frame adds ~10% (132–135 lb). These are estimates — healthy weight depends on muscle mass, age, and individual factors.
What is the ideal weight for a 5'6" woman?
For a 5'6" woman: Devine = 130 lb, Robinson = 131 lb, Hamwi = 129 lb, average = about 130 lb (medium frame). Small frame: ~117 lb; large frame: ~143 lb. This height/weight puts you at roughly BMI 21, well within the healthy 18.5–24.9 range.
What is the ideal weight for a 5'2" woman?
For a 5'2" woman: Devine = 110 lb, Robinson = 116 lb, Hamwi = 110 lb, average = about 112 lb (medium frame). Small frame: ~99–104 lb; large frame: ~121–128 lb. The healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) for this height corresponds to 101–136 lb.
Which formula (Devine, Robinson, or Hamwi) is most accurate?
All three are clinically validated; none is universally 'most accurate.' The Devine formula (1974) is most cited in clinical practice and drug dosing. Robinson's (1983) uses a slightly larger population dataset. Hamwi (1964) was designed for diabetic care. For general use, the average of all three gives the most balanced estimate.
How do I determine my frame size — small, medium, or large?
Measure your wrist circumference with a tape measure. For women over 5'5": small frame = wrist <6.25", medium = 6.25"–6.5", large = >6.5". You can also encircle your wrist with your thumb and middle finger: if they overlap = small; just touch = medium; gap between = large.
Is ideal body weight the same as healthy weight?
Not exactly. Ideal body weight (IBW) is a statistical estimate from population studies. Healthy weight is individual — a woman who strength-trains may weigh 15–20 lb above IBW and still be healthier than someone at IBW with low muscle mass. BMI 18.5–24.9 is the broader healthy range; IBW sits near the middle of that range.
Why do I weigh more than my ideal weight even though I exercise?
Muscle is denser than fat — a pound of muscle takes up less volume but weighs the same. Athletes and women who regularly strength-train often weigh 10–20 lb above IBW formulas, which were derived from general (non-athletic) populations. Body fat percentage is a more useful metric than IBW for active individuals.
Does ideal weight change with age for women?
The Devine, Robinson, and Hamwi formulas don't include age. However, clinical guidance for older women (55+) sometimes targets the upper end of the IBW range or slightly above to reduce osteoporosis risk and maintain muscle reserve. Ask your doctor for age-adjusted recommendations.
Can I use this calculator if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. IBW formulas are not designed for pregnancy or lactation. Weight gain during pregnancy is intentional and guided by pre-pregnancy BMI (typically 25–35 lb for normal BMI). Consult your OB/GYN for weight goals during and after pregnancy.
What is a healthy BMI range for women?
The CDC and WHO classify BMI 18.5–24.9 as normal weight for adults. For a 5'4" woman, that corresponds to 108–145 lb; for 5'6", it's 115–155 lb; for 5'8", it's 122–164 lb. Ideal body weight formulas typically land near BMI 21–22, near the midpoint of the healthy range.
Sources & references
- Devine BJ (1974). Gentamicin therapy — original source of the Devine ideal weight formula for women — National Library of Medicine / PubMed (1974)
- Robinson JD et al. (1983). Resting metabolic rate and thermic effect of food in normal weight individuals — American Journal of Clinical Nutrition / PubMed (1983)
- Hamwi GJ (1964). Therapy: Changing dietary concepts — original Hamwi ideal weight formula — National Library of Medicine (1964)
- CDC: Assessing Your Weight — BMI for Adults — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024)
- NHLBI: Aim for a Healthy Weight — BMI Classification Table — National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute / NIH (2024)
- Pai MP, Hall PD (2024). A new formula to calculate ideal body weight — updated clinical reference — Annals of Pharmacotherapy / PubMed (2024)
Methodology & trust
Editorial
Health calculator reviewed by Martín Rodríguez, editor of Hacé Cuentas, checked against Devine BJ (1974). Gentamicin therapy — original source of the Devine ideal weight formula for women, following our editorial policy and methodology.
Updates
Last reviewed: July 01, 2026. Parameters are verified periodically against the cited sources.
Privacy
Calculations run 100% in your browser. We do not store or transmit your data.
Limitations
Indicative results. For critical decisions, consult a professional.
📌 How to cite this calculator
Rodríguez, M. (2026). Ideal Weight for Women by Height (Devine, Robinson & Hamwi). Hacé Cuentas. https://hacecuentas.com/en/ideal-weight-for-women
Content licensed under CC-BY 4.0 — reuse it citing the source with a link to Hacé Cuentas.