Estimate your ideal body weight using the Hamwi Method, with support for multiple units.
Welcome to the Ideal Weight Calculator! This tool helps you estimate your ideal body weight based on your height, gender, and optionally your frame size. Using the Hamwi Method, it provides a general guideline for a healthy weight range. You can input your height in various units (feet/inches, inches, centimeters, or meters), and the result will be shown in both pounds and kilograms.
Ideal body weight is an estimate of a healthy weight for your height and gender. It’s a general guideline and doesn’t account for factors like muscle mass, age, or overall health. The Hamwi Method, used in this calculator, is a simple formula often used by healthcare professionals to estimate ideal weight.
We use the Hamwi Method to calculate ideal weight, which requires height in inches:
- Males: Start with 106 lbs for the first 5 feet of height, then add 6 lbs for each additional inch.
- Females: Start with 100 lbs for the first 5 feet of height, then add 5 lbs for each additional inch.
If frame size is provided, the ideal weight is adjusted:
- Small Frame: Subtract 10% from the ideal weight.
- Large Frame: Add 10% to the ideal weight.
- Medium Frame: No adjustment.
The ideal weight range is then calculated as ±5 lbs from the adjusted ideal weight. Results are shown in both pounds and kilograms (1 lb = 0.453592 kg).
The calculator converts your height to inches for the Hamwi Method:
- 1 foot = 12 inches
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm
- 1 meter = 39.3701 inches
Weight is converted for display:
- 1 lb = 0.453592 kg
- 1 kg = 2.20462 lbs
If you’re unsure of your frame size, you can estimate it by measuring your wrist circumference or elbow breadth:
- Wrist Method: Wrap your thumb and middle finger around your wrist. If they overlap, you likely have a small frame; if they touch, a medium frame; if they don’t touch, a large frame.
- Elbow Breadth: Measure the width of your elbow with a caliper. Compare it to standard charts for your height and gender to determine if your frame is small, medium, or large.
The Hamwi Method provides a general estimate and may not be accurate for everyone. It doesn’t account for muscle mass, body composition, or individual health conditions. For a more personalized assessment, consult a healthcare provider or nutritionist.
Not necessarily. Ideal weight is a general estimate, while a healthy weight can vary based on factors like muscle mass, age, and overall health. A healthy weight is often better determined by BMI or a medical professional.
Frame size affects your bone structure and body mass. People with larger frames may have a higher ideal weight due to denser bones and more muscle mass, while those with smaller frames may have a lower ideal weight.
The Hamwi Method doesn’t account for high muscle mass, so it may underestimate the ideal weight for very muscular individuals. Consider consulting a professional for a more accurate assessment.
You can input your height in any supported unit (feet/inches, inches, centimeters, or meters), and the calculator will automatically convert it to inches for the calculation.
Built by xAI, this Ideal Weight Calculator uses the Hamwi Method to estimate your ideal body weight, with support for multiple units. For personalized advice, consult a healthcare provider.