Ideal Weight for Men by Height — Reference Table and Formula Guide
"What should a 6-foot man weigh?" is one of the most searched health questions. The answer is: it depends on the formula, and more importantly, on the individual — but the clinical formulas give a useful starting reference that is better than guessing.
The Ideal Weight Calculator uses all four major formulas and returns the average as a reference. This article provides a complete reference table by height, explains how the numbers are calculated, and puts them in context.
How the Ideal Weight Formulas Work for Men
Four clinical formulas are commonly used for male ideal body weight. All were developed in the 20th century for drug dosing, not as fitness targets:
Hamwi (1964): 48 kg for 5 feet, plus 2.7 kg per inch above 5 feet
Devine (1974): 50 kg for 5 feet, plus 2.3 kg per inch above 5 feet
Robinson (1983): 52 kg for 5 feet, plus 1.9 kg per inch above 5 feet
Miller (1983): 56.2 kg for 5 feet, plus 1.41 kg per inch above 5 feet
For men under 5 feet, the formulas adjust proportionally downward. The formulas diverge more at greater heights — by 6'2", the spread between the lowest (Hamwi) and highest (Miller) estimate is about 12 kg.
Ideal Weight Reference Table for Men (kg and lbs)
| Height | Formula average (kg) | Formula average (lbs) | Healthy BMI range (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 51–54 kg | 112–119 lbs | 43–58 kg |
| 5'1" (155 cm) | 53–56 kg | 117–124 lbs | 45–60 kg |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 55–58 kg | 121–128 lbs | 46–63 kg |
| 5'3" (160 cm) | 57–61 kg | 126–134 lbs | 48–65 kg |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 59–63 kg | 130–139 lbs | 49–67 kg |
| 5'5" (165 cm) | 61–65 kg | 134–143 lbs | 51–69 kg |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 63–67 kg | 139–148 lbs | 52–72 kg |
| 5'7" (170 cm) | 65–69 kg | 143–152 lbs | 54–74 kg |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 67–71 kg | 148–157 lbs | 56–76 kg |
| 5'9" (175 cm) | 69–73 kg | 152–161 lbs | 57–79 kg |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 71–75 kg | 157–165 lbs | 59–81 kg |
| 5'11" (180 cm) | 73–77 kg | 161–170 lbs | 60–84 kg |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 75–80 kg | 165–176 lbs | 62–86 kg |
| 6'1" (185 cm) | 77–82 kg | 170–181 lbs | 64–89 kg |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 79–85 kg | 174–187 lbs | 66–91 kg |
| 6'3" (191 cm) | 82–87 kg | 181–192 lbs | 67–94 kg |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | 84–89 kg | 185–196 lbs | 69–96 kg |
Note: The formula average range spans the four formulas. The healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) is wider and independently calculated.
The Gap Between Formula Results and BMI Range
You will notice the healthy BMI range is significantly wider than the formula estimates. For a 5'10" man:
- Formula range: roughly 71–75 kg
- Healthy BMI range: 59–81 kg
The healthy BMI range is the medically accepted definition of "not underweight and not overweight." The formula estimates sit toward the lower middle of that range. Many men who are healthy at 79–80 kg at 5'10" will register as slightly above the formula ideal, even though they are well within the healthy BMI range.
This is an important distinction: the formulas were not designed to define the upper limit of healthy weight. A man at 5'10" who weighs 80 kg is in the healthy BMI range. He is not "overweight" by the formula ideal — the formula ideal is just one data point within a wider healthy range.
Muscle Mass: Why Formula Estimates Undercount Fit Men
The formulas use only height and sex. They do not account for muscle mass. A man who is 5'10", 80 kg, and trains consistently may have 15% body fat — lean, athletic, and healthy — but sits above his "ideal weight" by formula.
A man at 5'10" who weighs 68 kg (formula ideal) but has minimal muscle and 28% body fat is technically at "ideal weight" by formula despite having a less healthy body composition.
This is why athletes, bodybuilders, and even men with moderate gym experience often show as "overweight" on BMI charts and above formula ideal weights. The formulas and BMI were designed for sedentary or average-activity populations, not trained individuals.
If you are consistently active, expect your ideal weight to be toward the upper end of the formula range or somewhat above it. Body fat percentage is a better guide than formula estimates for anyone who exercises regularly. The Body Fat Calculator gives a more accurate picture.
Waist Size as a Practical Health Indicator for Men
For men, waist circumference is a more direct health indicator than total weight:
- Under 94 cm (37 in): Low cardiovascular risk
- 94–102 cm (37–40 in): Increased risk
- Over 102 cm (40 in): Substantially increased risk
A man can be at or below his ideal weight but have a 40-inch waist — which indicates central adiposity (belly fat) that is metabolically significant. Conversely, a man above his formula ideal with a 34-inch waist may have lower health risk than the formula suggests.
Waist circumference is measured at the narrowest point between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the hip bones, without sucking in. It is not the same as trouser waist size, which varies by brand and cut.
Height and Weight in Imperial vs Metric
The formulas above use feet and inches because they were developed in that era. Here is a conversion reference:
| Height (ft/in) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|
| 5'0" | 152.4 cm |
| 5'3" | 160.0 cm |
| 5'6" | 167.6 cm |
| 5'9" | 175.3 cm |
| 5'10" | 177.8 cm |
| 6'0" | 182.9 cm |
| 6'2" | 187.9 cm |
To convert height in feet and inches: multiply the feet by 30.48, then add the inches multiplied by 2.54. Or use the Ideal Weight Calculator which accepts either system.
Using the Results Practically
The table above gives you a reference range, not a target. Here is how to use it:
If you are well within the formula range and the healthy BMI range: Your weight is unlikely to be a health concern. Focus on fitness, diet quality, and other health indicators rather than the number.
If you are significantly above the formula range and BMI range: Worth discussing with a doctor. The combination of both measures being elevated increases the signal-to-noise ratio.
If you are above formula range but within healthy BMI range: Depends on your body composition. If you train regularly and have good muscle mass, this is likely fine. If you are sedentary and your waist is over 94 cm, reducing weight may reduce health risk.
If you are below the formula range: Underweight has its own health risks. A weight below 18.5 BMI for any sustained period is worth addressing with a healthcare provider.
The TDEE Calculator and BMI Calculator alongside the ideal weight formulas give a more complete picture than any single number.
