What Is Ideal Body Weight?
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is a calculated target weight range considered optimal for health outcomes at a given height. Unlike BMI — which classifies current weight — IBW helps you set a concrete weight loss or gain goal.
Several formulas exist for estimating ideal weight. The most widely used in clinical settings are the Hamwi formula, Devine formula, and the Robinson formula. Each was developed in a different context and produces slightly different results.
Hamwi Formula (Men): 106 lbs for 5'0" + 6 lbs for each inch over 5'
Hamwi Formula (Women): 100 lbs for 5'0" + 5 lbs for each inch over 5'
BMI-Based Target (Universal): Weight = BMI 22 × height² (m)
Ideal Weight by Height — Reference Table (Men)
| Height | Hamwi IBW | BMI-22 Target | Healthy BMI Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'6" / 167 cm | 154 lbs / 70 kg | 154 lbs / 70 kg | 137–179 lbs / 62–81 kg |
| 5'8" / 173 cm | 166 lbs / 75 kg | 165 lbs / 75 kg | 147–192 lbs / 67–87 kg |
| 5'10" / 178 cm | 178 lbs / 81 kg | 175 lbs / 79 kg | 132–174 lbs / 60–79 kg |
| 6'0" / 183 cm | 190 lbs / 86 kg | 185 lbs / 84 kg | 140–183 lbs / 64–83 kg |
| 6'2" / 188 cm | 202 lbs / 92 kg | 195 lbs / 88 kg | 148–194 lbs / 67–88 kg |
Ideal Weight by Height — Reference Table (Women)
| Height | Hamwi IBW | BMI-22 Target | Healthy BMI Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" / 152 cm | 100 lbs / 45 kg | 110 lbs / 50 kg | 97–128 lbs / 44–58 kg |
| 5'2" / 157 cm | 110 lbs / 50 kg | 117 lbs / 53 kg | 104–135 lbs / 47–61 kg |
| 5'4" / 163 cm | 120 lbs / 54 kg | 127 lbs / 58 kg | 110–144 lbs / 50–65 kg |
| 5'5" / 165 cm | 125 lbs / 57 kg | 132 lbs / 60 kg | 114–149 lbs / 52–68 kg |
| 5'7" / 170 cm | 135 lbs / 61 kg | 140 lbs / 63 kg | 121–158 lbs / 55–72 kg |
| 5'9" / 175 cm | 145 lbs / 66 kg | 148 lbs / 67 kg | 128–168 lbs / 58–76 kg |
Setting Realistic Weight Goals
Once you know your target weight, you can calculate how long it will take to reach it based on a sustainable rate of loss:
- Sustainable rate: 0.5–1% of body weight per week (typically 0.5–2 lbs / 0.25–1 kg per week)
- Required deficit: ~3,500 kcal = 1 lb of fat. A daily deficit of 500 kcal = ~1 lb/week
- Minimum calories: Never drop below 1,200 kcal/day (women) or 1,500 kcal/day (men) without medical supervision
- Exercise contribution: Cardio burns 200–600 kcal per session; strength training increases TDEE long-term through muscle mass preservation
⚡ Quick Goal Timeline Calculator
Formula: Weeks to goal = (current weight – target weight in lbs) ÷ weekly loss rate
Example: 190 lbs → 170 lbs (20 lb loss) at 1 lb/week = 20 weeks
Note: Allow for plateaus. Real-world results vary. Always prioritize sustainable habits over speed.
Related Tools & Guides
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