Ideal Weight Calculator

The ideal weight calculator determines the optimal body mass for your height, gender and body type. Enter your height, current weight and wrist circumference – the calculator detects your body type with the Solovyov index, computes the ideal weight with five formulas and shows how much to lose or gain.

What is ideal weight

Ideal weight is not a single exact number but a range of body mass in which the body works without extra strain: the heart and joints are not burdened by extra kilograms, and the immune and hormonal systems do not suffer from a shortage. Knowing your ideal weight matters as a reference: it answers the question "how much should I actually weigh", not "how much do I weigh now". Staying close to this range lowers the risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and musculoskeletal problems.

How to use the calculator

Enter your height in centimeters, your current weight and your gender. Then measure your wrist with a tape measure – the calculator uses it to detect your body type with the Solovyov index: below 18 cm for men and below 15 cm for women is ectomorphic (thin-boned), 18–20 and 15–17 is mesomorphic (normal), above that is endomorphic (broad-boned). The result shows the recommended weight range, your body type and a table with the calculation by each formula.

The Broca formula and the Solovyov index

The best-known formula belongs to the French anthropologist Paul Broca: ideal weight = height minus 100 kg. The formula is simple but ignores body build, so the Solovyov index refines it: thin-boned people should subtract 10%, and broad-boned people add 10%. For women, the base Broca formula is additionally multiplied by 0.85. So at 176 cm a normosthenic should weigh 76 kg, an ectomorph – 68.4 kg, an endomorph – 83.6 kg.

Other formulas: Devine, Robinson, Miller

Broca is not the only option. The Devine formula is used in medicine to calculate drug dosages: 50 kg for men (45.5 for women) plus 2.3 kg for every inch of height above 5 feet (5 feet = 152.4 cm). Robinson and Miller give close estimates with different coefficients. The calculator shows all formulas at once, and the recommended range spans from the lowest to the highest estimate – which is more honest than a single "magic" number.

Body types

Physiologists distinguish three body types. Ectomorphs are lean, with narrow bones and a fast metabolism: gaining mass is hard for them. Mesomorphs are athletic and gain or lose weight easily. Endomorphs tend toward fullness because of a slow metabolism: they gain extra weight easily and lose it harder. Pure types are rare – most people combine two types, so the calculator gives a range rather than a point.

Limitations of the calculation

All formulas give an average statistical estimate: they do not account for body fat and muscle percentage, age over 65, pregnancy or chronic conditions. For an athlete with developed musculature the "ideal weight" from formulas may look too low. Treat the result as a starting point for a conversation with a doctor or trainer, not as a diagnosis.

This calculation is for information only and is not medical advice.

Частые вопросы

How do I find my ideal weight?
The easiest way is to use the calculator: it computes the weight with five formulas taking into account height, gender and body type. The recommended range spans from the lowest to the highest estimate. For most people any weight inside this corridor is fine.
What is the Solovyov index?
It is a way to determine body type from wrist circumference: for men under 18 cm is ectomorph (thin-boned), 18–20 is mesomorph (normal), above 20 is endomorph (broad-boned). For women the thresholds are 15 and 17 cm. The type adjusts the Broca formula: minus 10% for thin-boned, plus 10% for broad-boned.
Which ideal weight formula is the most accurate?
No formula gives an exact answer for a specific person – all are built on statistics. Broca is a good reference, Devine is used in medicine, Robinson and Miller give softer estimates. That is why the calculator shows all formulas and the range between them.
Why does the formula weight not match my BMI?
Ideal-weight formulas and BMI answer different questions. BMI assesses your current weight against the norm, while Broca, Devine and other formulas compute a target weight that accounts for body build. A spread of a few kilograms between methods is normal.
Can ideal weight change with age?
Yes. After 40–50 muscle mass gradually decreases and the fat share grows, so a weight in the lower half of the recommended range becomes more comfortable. After 65, doctors allow a BMI up to 27 without elevated risks. The formulas themselves are designed for adults aged 18–65.
What if my weight is outside the recommended range?
If it is above the upper bound, reduce it gradually with a moderate calorie deficit and regular activity. If it is below the lower bound, consider gaining mass through strength training and balanced nutrition. For a large deviation or any doubts, consult a doctor.