Ideal Weight Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the ideal weight calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

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Formulas Used

Ideal Weight (kg)

ideal_weight_kg = 50 + 2.3 * (total_inches - 60)

Ideal Weight (lbs)

ideal_weight_lbs = (50 + 2.3 * (total_inches - 60)) * 2.20462

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
height_feetHeight (feet)(ft)5
height_inchesHeight (inches)(in)10
total_inchesDerived value= height_feet * 12 + height_inchescalculated

How It Works

Devine Formula for Ideal Body Weight (Male)

Ideal Weight (kg) = 50 + 2.3 x (height in inches - 60)

This formula was originally developed for calculating medication dosages and is now widely used as a general health guideline.

Note: This is the male formula. The female formula uses 45.5 kg as the base.

Worked Example

A male who is 5 feet 10 inches tall.

height_feet = 5height_inches = 10
  1. 01Total height = 5 x 12 + 10 = 70 inches
  2. 02Inches over 5 feet = 70 - 60 = 10
  3. 03Ideal weight = 50 + 2.3 x 10 = 73.0 kg
  4. 04In pounds = 73.0 x 2.205 = 160.9 lbs

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