Calculate your ideal body weight using the Miller formula (1983). Gives the highest IBW estimates among the four major formulas — a more generous reference weight for your height.
The Miller formula (1983) consistently produces the highest ideal body weight estimates among the four major IBW formulas. With the highest base values (56.2 kg for men, 53.1 kg for women at 5'0") and moderate per-inch increments (1.41 and 1.36 kg respectively), it yields the most generous reference weights.
Miller's approach was developed considering that earlier formulas (particularly Devine) might be unrealistically low for shorter individuals. The higher base weight with smaller height adjustments creates a narrower range of ideal weights across different heights.
This formula is particularly useful as an upper reference point. When comparing all four IBW formulas, Miller typically defines the high end, while Devine or Hamwi defines the low end. Whether you are a beginner or experienced professional, this free online tool provides instant, reliable results without manual computation. By automating the calculation, you save time and reduce the risk of costly errors in your planning and decision-making process.
Miller's higher estimates may be more realistic for people who feel other IBW formulas set unreasonably low targets. Used alongside Devine, Robinson, and Hamwi, Miller helps establish the upper boundary of what formula-based ideal weight looks like for your height. Having a precise figure at your fingertips empowers better planning and more confident decisions.
Men: IBW = 56.2 + 1.41 × (height in inches − 60) Women: IBW = 53.1 + 1.36 × (height in inches − 60) Result in kg. Healthy range: IBW ± 10%
Result: IBW: 70.3 kg (155 lbs) | Range: 63.3–77.3 kg
Male at 5'10" (70 inches): IBW = 56.2 + 1.41 × (70 − 60) = 56.2 + 14.1 = 70.3 kg (155 lbs). Miller gives a lower IBW than Devine (73.0 kg) at this height because the per-inch increment is only 1.41 kg vs. Devine's 2.3 kg, even though the base is higher.
Miller's gentle per-inch increment (1.41 kg for men, 1.36 for women) reflects an observation that ideal weight doesn't increase as steeply with height as formulas like Devine (2.3 kg/inch) or Hamwi (2.7 kg/inch) suggest. This is consistent with some body composition studies showing that the relationship between height and healthy weight is non-linear.
For a balanced IBW estimate, calculate all four and average them. At 5'10" for men: Devine 73.0, Robinson 71.0, Miller 70.3, Hamwi 75.0 → Average = 72.3 kg. This multi-formula mean eliminates individual formula quirks and gives a more robust reference point.
Miller's formula was developed with the observation that previous formulas (especially Devine at 50 kg/45.5 kg base) set unrealistic ideal weights for shorter people. By starting higher (56.2 kg/53.1 kg) with smaller per-inch additions, the formula yields more achievable reference weights for shorter stature while not over-estimating for tall individuals. This approach creates less variation across the height spectrum.
Miller and Robinson both give higher values than Devine for shorter people (under 5'4"), making them arguably more realistic. Miller gives the absolute highest values at short heights. However, "best" depends on the purpose: for clinical dosing, Devine is the standard regardless of height. For personal reference, averaging formulas or using BMI-based ranges may be more appropriate for shorter stature.
At 5'0" (the base), the spread is: Hamwi 48, Devine 50, Robinson 52, Miller 56.2 kg for men — an 8.2 kg range. At 6'0", it's: Miller 73.1, Robinson 74.8, Devine 77.6, Hamwi 80.4 kg — a 7.3 kg range. The order reverses because Miller's gentle slope is overtaken by formulas with steeper per-inch increments.
Neither. IBW formulas are clinical references, not targets. Your actual healthy weight depends on body composition, fitness level, bone structure, and genetics. If you're athletic with significant muscle mass, you might be healthy well above any IBW formula. The range covered by all four formulas gives a reasonable "zone" of reference, typically spanning 5–10 kg.
Each formula was developed by different researchers using different population samples and methodologies over a 20-year period (Hamwi 1964, Devine 1974, Robinson 1983, Miller 1983). None was derived from large, randomized studies specifically designed to define ideal weight. They're empirical estimates that became clinically useful, and each persists because no single formula is definitively superior.
No. Like all four major IBW formulas, Miller assumes a medium body frame. People with larger frames (wider wrists, broader shoulders, larger ribcage) naturally carry more bone and muscle mass. A common adjustment is ±10%: add 10% for large frame, subtract 10% for small frame. Measuring wrist circumference can help estimate frame size (small: <6.5", medium: 6.5–7.5", large: >7.5" for men of average height).