Ideal Weight Examples
A single target weight ignores most of the variables that actually determine health: muscle mass, bone density, body fat distribution, activity level, and metabolic history. These examples show how different individuals arrive at very different 'ideal' numbers using the same formula — and what that means in practice.
Worked Examples
See the inputs and outcome together
Each scenario keeps the starting point, the outcome, and the actual lesson in one place so the page reads like a decision notebook, not a data dump.
- 1
Average-height male
A 178 cm man with a medium frame checks the classic ideal-weight formulas.
The four formulas land between 70 and 75 kg, with Devine at 73.2 kg and Robinson at 71.1 kg.
Sex
Male
Height Cm
178
Frame Size
Medium
There is no single ideal weight, only a band of roughly five kilograms across the formulas. Treat the range as a starting reference, not a goal weight, since none of these equations knows your muscle mass.
- 2
Tall male
A 193 cm man, the height of a tall basketball guard, with a medium frame.
The estimates climb to roughly 79 to 91 kg, with Devine at 86.8 kg.
Sex
Male
Height Cm
193
Frame Size
Medium
The formula spread widens to about 12 kg at this height, which exposes their weakness for very tall people. The equations were built around average frames and grow less reliable toward the extremes.
- 3
Average-height female
A 165 cm woman with a medium frame runs the same check.
The estimates fall between 56 and 60 kg, with Robinson at 57.4 kg.
Sex
Female
Height Cm
165
Frame Size
Medium
The female formulas use a lower base weight per centimetre of height. Selecting the correct sex is the most important input here, since the male and female versions differ by several kilograms at the same height.
- 4
Shorter male
A 168 cm man with a medium frame.
The four formulas cluster tightly between 64 and 65 kg, with Devine at 64.1 kg.
Sex
Male
Height Cm
168
Frame Size
Medium
Near average height the formulas agree closely, which is where they are most trustworthy. The closer your height is to the middle of the range the more confidence the estimate deserves.
Patterns
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FAQ
Questions people ask next
The short answers readers usually want after the first pass.
What is the ideal weight for a 178 cm man?
Why do ideal weight formulas disagree more for very tall people?
How much does ideal weight differ between men and women at the same height?
Is there one true ideal weight number?
Sources & References
- Defining Adult Overweight & Obesity — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- What Are the Healthy Body Fat Percentage Ranges? — American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Related Content
Keep the topic connected
Ideal Weight Formula (Devine 1974)
Ideal weight formula from the Devine 1974 equation: men 50 + 2.3 kg per inch over 60, women 45.5 + 2.3, plus Robinson, Miller and Hamwi variants.
How to Use Ideal Weight Calculator
Discover your healthy weight range with our Ideal Weight Calculator. Input your details to understand personalized targets for optimal health and fitness.
What Is Body Fat Percentage? Definition & How It's Measured
Learn what body fat percentage means, how it's calculated, the methods used to measure it (DEXA, BIA, calipers), and why it beats weight or BMI for health.