Calculate your ideal body weight using the Robinson formula (1983). A refined clinical IBW equation that gives slightly higher estimates than Devine for most heights.
The Robinson formula is a historical ideal body weight equation that is still reproduced in clinical references. It uses a higher base weight and a smaller per-inch increment than Devine, so the comparison depends on height.
The formula is best read as one reference estimate rather than a universal target or a direct measure of health.
Robinson is one of several historical IBW equations. It can be helpful when comparing reference weights, but it should not be treated as more accurate simply because it is more recent than some alternatives.
Men: IBW = 52.0 + 1.9 × (height in inches − 60) Women: IBW = 49.0 + 1.7 × (height in inches − 60) Result in kg. Healthy range: IBW ± 10%
Result: IBW: 71.0 kg (156 lbs) | Range: 63.9–78.1 kg
For a male at 5'10" (70 inches): IBW = 52.0 + 1.9 × (70 − 60) = 52.0 + 19.0 = 71.0 kg (156 lbs). This is 2 kg less than Devine's 73.0 kg because Robinson's per-inch increment (1.9 kg) is lower than Devine's (2.3 kg).
Robinson and Devine can differ by a few kilograms depending on height. That is expected, because the equations were developed from different historical assumptions.
When comparing multiple IBW formulas, the useful output is the range rather than a single "correct" value. If the formulas diverge significantly, that is a cue to interpret the estimate cautiously.
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This calculator applies the Robinson ideal-body-weight equation and shows it as a historical reference estimate. The page compares Robinson with nearby formulas so the user can see how historical equations vary, rather than implying that one exact weight can be derived from height alone.
Because Robinson is a simple historical equation, the result should be read as a rough reference, not as a validated health target.
Robinson is commonly reproduced as a historical ideal-body-weight equation with a higher base and smaller height increment than Devine. That makes it useful for comparison, but not for identifying one correct weight.
Neither formula is definitively more accurate. Robinson is best understood as one historical estimate among several.
Robinson is usually cited as one of the standard historical ideal-body-weight equations alongside Devine, Miller, and Hamwi.
No single formula is correct for all people. Comparing several equations is usually more informative than relying on one number.
BMI and IBW answer different questions. BMI classifies weight-for-height ranges, while IBW formulas produce reference weights.
No. These formulas were developed for adults; children should use age- and sex-specific growth references.