Devine, Robinson, Miller: Ideal Weight Formulas Compared

The Three Main Formulas

Medical professionals use three primary formulas to estimate ideal body weight based on height and sex. Each was developed from different population studies and produces slightly different results.

1. Devine Formula (1974)

The most commonly used in medical settings, developed by Dr. B.J. Devine.

The Formulas

Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet

Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet

Example Calculations

Male, 6 feet (72 inches) tall:

• Inches over 5 feet: 72 - 60 = 12 inches
• Ideal weight: 50 + (2.3 × 12) = 50 + 27.6 = 77.6 kg (171 lbs)

Female, 5 feet 6 inches (66 inches) tall:

• Inches over 5 feet: 66 - 60 = 6 inches
• Ideal weight: 45.5 + (2.3 × 6) = 45.5 + 13.8 = 59.3 kg (131 lbs)

When It's Used

• Drug dosing calculations
• Nutritional assessments
• Setting weight loss goals
• Clinical research standards

2. Robinson Formula (1983)

A modified version of Devine, developed by Dr. J.D. Robinson using a larger, more diverse sample.

The Formulas

Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet

Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet

Example Calculations

Male, 6 feet (72 inches) tall:

• Inches over 5 feet: 12 inches
• Ideal weight: 52 + (1.9 × 12) = 52 + 22.8 = 74.8 kg (165 lbs)

Female, 5 feet 6 inches (66 inches) tall:

• Inches over 5 feet: 6 inches
• Ideal weight: 49 + (1.7 × 6) = 49 + 10.2 = 59.2 kg (131 lbs)

Key Differences from Devine

• Higher base weight (especially for women: 49 vs 45.5 kg)
• Lower increment per inch (1.9 vs 2.3 for men)
• Results in lower weights for tall people, higher for short people

3. Miller Formula (1983)

Developed by Dr. D.R. Miller at the same time as Robinson, using yet another population sample.

The Formulas

Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg per inch over 5 feet

Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg per inch over 5 feet

Example Calculations

Male, 6 feet (72 inches) tall:

• Inches over 5 feet: 12 inches
• Ideal weight: 56.2 + (1.41 × 12) = 56.2 + 16.92 = 73.1 kg (161 lbs)

Female, 5 feet 6 inches (66 inches) tall:

• Inches over 5 feet: 6 inches
• Ideal weight: 53.1 + (1.36 × 6) = 53.1 + 8.16 = 61.3 kg (135 lbs)

Key Differences

• Highest base weight of all three
• Lowest increment per inch
• Produces most conservative (lower) estimates for tall people

Side-by-Side Comparison

For a 6-Foot Male (183 cm)

• Devine: 77.6 kg (171 lbs)
• Robinson: 74.8 kg (165 lbs)
• Miller: 73.1 kg (161 lbs)
• Range: 73-78 kg (10 lb spread)

For a 5'4" Female (163 cm)

• Devine: 54.7 kg (121 lbs)
• Robinson: 55.8 kg (123 lbs)
• Miller: 58.5 kg (129 lbs)
• Range: 55-59 kg (8 lb spread)

For a 5'10" Male (178 cm)

• Devine: 73 kg (161 lbs)
• Robinson: 71 kg (157 lbs)
• Miller: 70.3 kg (155 lbs)
• Range: 70-73 kg (6 lb spread)

Which Formula Should You Use?

Use Devine If:

• You need medical/clinical standards
• Working with healthcare providers
• Want most conservative (higher) estimate
• Prefer traditional, widely-accepted reference

Use Robinson If:

• You're taller than average (helpful moderate estimate)
• Want middle-ground between Devine and Miller
• Prefer more recent research basis

Use Miller If:

• You're very tall (prevents overestimation)
• Want lower end of healthy range
• Prefer most conservative estimate

Best Approach: Use All Three

Calculate all three and use the range as your target. For the 6-foot male example above, aim for 73-78 kg rather than obsessing over one specific number. This accounts for individual variation in frame size and body composition.

Limitations of All Three Formulas

What They Don't Account For

• Frame size: Large-boned vs small-boned individuals
• Muscle mass: Athletes vs sedentary people
• Age: Younger vs older adults
• Ethnicity: Different populations have different healthy ranges
• Body composition goals: Powerlifter vs marathon runner

When They're Less Accurate

• Very short people (under 150 cm / 4'11")
• Very tall people (over 195 cm / 6'5")
• Bodybuilders and strength athletes
• People with significant muscle mass
• Elderly with sarcopenia (muscle loss)

Adding Frame Size Adjustment

For more personalized estimates, adjust based on frame size:

Determining Frame Size

Measure wrist circumference at narrowest point:

• Men: Small (<15cm), Medium (15-18cm), Large (>18cm)
• Women: Small (<14cm), Medium (14-16cm), Large (>16cm)

Frame Size Adjustments

• Small frame: Subtract 5-10% from calculated ideal weight
• Medium frame: Use calculated weight as-is
• Large frame: Add 5-10% to calculated ideal weight

Example: Devine formula gives 75 kg for a tall male. If he has a large frame, his adjusted ideal weight would be 78-82 kg instead.

Modern Alternatives to Consider

BMI-Based Range

Calculate weight range for BMI 18.5-24.9 at your height. Often gives wider, more realistic range than single-number formulas.

Body Composition Approach

Instead of "ideal weight," target ideal body fat percentage (10-20% men, 18-28% women) and calculate weight needed to achieve it based on current lean mass.

Bottom Line

Devine, Robinson, and Miller formulas all provide reasonable estimates with typical differences of 2-5 kg. Rather than choosing one:

1. Calculate all three to get a range
2. Adjust for your frame size
3. Consider your muscle mass and activity level
4. Focus on healthy body composition over exact weight
5. Use the range as a guide, not an absolute target

Remember: "Ideal weight" is highly individual. These formulas provide starting points, but your actual healthy weight depends on body composition, fitness level, and overall health—not just a number on the scale.