Health · Free tool
Ideal Weight Calculator
The Devine formula derived from US data, with a 2-3 kg downward adjustment for the typically smaller South Asian frame. Pair with the Asian-Indian BMI calculator for a full picture.
Healthy range typically ±10% of ideal weight.
Formula and why we adjust for India
Devine (1974): Men IBW = 50 + 2.3 × (inches over 60); Women IBW = 45.5 + 2.3 × (inches over 60). The formula was calibrated on US Caucasian adults. Indians have smaller average frame and lower lean mass at the same height, so ICMR/WHO recommend a 2-3 kg downward shift — also matching the Asian-specific BMI cut-off of 23 (overweight) and 25 (obese), vs the global 25/30.
Worked example
A 5'7" (170 cm) Indian male: Devine gives 50 + 2.3 × 7 = 66.1 kg. India-adjusted target ~63 kg, with a healthy band ~58–68 kg (Asian BMI 20–23.5). A 5'3" (160 cm) Indian female: Devine 52.4 kg; adjusted ~50 kg with band 46–55 kg. Weighing 75 kg at 5'7" → Asian BMI 25.9 → obese class I and ~12 kg above target.
When to use this
- Setting a realistic weight-loss goal (target ~0.5 kg/week)
- Calculating drug doses that depend on lean body weight
- Pre-surgery anesthesia planning
- Bariatric screening — BMI > 32.5 with comorbidity flags Indian threshold
Pair with our Asian-Indian BMI calculator and BMR/TDEE calculator to back-solve the daily calorie deficit needed to reach IBW.
FAQ
Devine formula was for Americans — does it apply to me?
Roughly. The Indian-adjusted version subtracts 2-3kg to account for the typically smaller South Asian frame. For most adults it's within ±5% of clinical ideal weight as assessed by a doctor.
Should I aim for ideal or BMI 22?
BMI 22 is the centre of healthy range for South Asians (BMI 18.5-22.9). Devine ideal is usually close to BMI 22 for average heights. Either works as a target.
Why does ideal weight scale by height?
Heavier framed taller people need more muscle to carry. Each inch above 5ft adds ~2.3 kg in Devine. Below 5ft, the formula doesn't scale down — it stays at the floor (50 / 45.5 kg).