Formula or algorithm and variables.
formula estimate = base weight at 5 ft + coefficient × inches above 5 ftDevine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi use different historical base weights and per-inch coefficients. They are shown side by side rather than merged into a prescription.
Equation, units, and population
formula estimate = base weight at 5 ft + coefficient × inches above 5 ft. Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi use different historical base weights and per-inch coefficients. They are shown side by side rather than merged into a prescription. This page names the equation rather than presenting an unexplained score. Check that every value uses the displayed unit and that you belong to the population for which the method is described. The calculation retains full precision internally and rounds only the visible result. A reproducible estimate should let another reader use the same inputs and reach the same arithmetic answer, while still recognizing that mathematical reproducibility does not prove medical suitability.
Worked example
At 175 cm, approximately 8.9 inches above 5 feet, the female coefficient sets produce different estimates in the mid-60 kg range. The spread demonstrates that there is no single formula-defined ideal. Work through the example by writing the equation, substituting each labeled input, and preserving units at every step. The example demonstrates arithmetic only; it is not a recommended body measurement, intake, exercise level, laboratory value, or date. Replace every example input with the values from the situation being considered, and retain those inputs with any result you copy. Small differences can arise from rounding, equation versions, atomic-weight conventions, or date boundaries.
Interpreting the estimate
Read the four values as historical formula comparisons only. A suitable weight discussion should consider health, strength, nutrition, symptoms, medicines, and personal circumstances. Health calculations compress complex biology into a few inputs, so the result should be read as context rather than a verdict. Do not compare two people as though the higher or lower number is automatically better. Look for changes over time only when the method, units, and conditions are consistent. If a result conflicts with symptoms, a laboratory report, a clinician’s instructions, or a validated measurement, rely on the appropriate professional evidence rather than this calculator.
Validation and edge cases
Height must be 152.4–250 cm. The calculator rejects shorter inputs because extending the formulas below their stated 5-foot baseline would produce misleading extrapolation. Blank, malformed, nonfinite, and out-of-domain inputs fail explicitly without producing NaN or infinity. The bounds prevent obviously implausible values from being mistaken for meaningful answers, but passing a range check does not make an input medically correct. Recheck dates, decimal separators, unit conversions, coefficient choices, and whether a laboratory value uses the expected assay and unit. Contact a qualified professional when a result could affect treatment, medication, pregnancy care, nutrition therapy, or exercise safety.
Limitations and responsible use
The formulas were not designed for every body, are restricted here to heights at least 5 feet, and do not account for body composition, disability, pregnancy, age-related change, or individual health. These historical formulas do not define a healthy goal and should not be used to justify extreme restriction or rapid weight change. FigureNest processes these inputs locally in the browser and does not send them to a calculation service. The page does not create a medical record, assess symptoms, or know personal history. Avoid using estimates to shame a body, pursue unsafe restriction, delay care, determine legal fitness, or replace contraception. Authoritative source links are provided so readers can check the equation version and current guidance before making a consequential decision.
Check assumptions and sources.
The formulas were not designed for every body, are restricted here to heights at least 5 feet, and do not account for body composition, disability, pregnancy, age-related change, or individual health.
Common questions.
What does the Height-Based Weight Formula Calculator estimate?
Compare four historical height-based weight formulas without presenting any single result as a required or ideal body weight.
Which equation and units does it use?
formula estimate = base weight at 5 ft + coefficient × inches above 5 ft. Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi use different historical base weights and per-inch coefficients. They are shown side by side rather than merged into a prescription.
Is this medical advice or a diagnosis?
No. These historical formulas do not define a healthy goal and should not be used to justify extreme restriction or rapid weight change.
Which limitations matter most?
The formulas were not designed for every body, are restricted here to heights at least 5 feet, and do not account for body composition, disability, pregnancy, age-related change, or individual health.