The question "how much should I weigh?" does not have a single right answer. But it does have a useful range. And for most people, knowing that range is genuinely helpful when setting a goal or checking in on their progress.
This chart shows the healthy weight range for every height from 4 foot 8 to 6 foot 4, based on the standard healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9. It applies to both men and women.
If you want a personalised calculation that accounts for your sex and frame size, use our Ideal Weight Calculator.
Healthy weight chart by height
These ranges are based on a BMI of 18.5 (lower end of healthy) to 24.9 (upper end of healthy). Both pounds and kilograms are shown.
| Height | Healthy weight range (lbs) | Healthy weight range (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 4'8" (142 cm) | 83 - 111 lbs | 38 - 50 kg |
| 4'9" (145 cm) | 86 - 115 lbs | 39 - 52 kg |
| 4'10" (147 cm) | 89 - 119 lbs | 40 - 54 kg |
| 4'11" (150 cm) | 92 - 123 lbs | 42 - 56 kg |
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 95 - 128 lbs | 43 - 58 kg |
| 5'1" (155 cm) | 98 - 132 lbs | 45 - 60 kg |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 101 - 136 lbs | 46 - 62 kg |
| 5'3" (160 cm) | 104 - 141 lbs | 47 - 64 kg |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 108 - 145 lbs | 49 - 66 kg |
| 5'5" (165 cm) | 111 - 150 lbs | 50 - 68 kg |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 115 - 154 lbs | 52 - 70 kg |
| 5'7" (170 cm) | 118 - 159 lbs | 54 - 72 kg |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 122 - 164 lbs | 55 - 74 kg |
| 5'9" (175 cm) | 125 - 169 lbs | 57 - 77 kg |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 129 - 174 lbs | 58 - 79 kg |
| 5'11" (180 cm) | 133 - 179 lbs | 60 - 81 kg |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 136 - 184 lbs | 62 - 83 kg |
| 6'1" (185 cm) | 140 - 189 lbs | 64 - 86 kg |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 144 - 194 lbs | 65 - 88 kg |
| 6'3" (191 cm) | 148 - 199 lbs | 67 - 90 kg |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | 152 - 205 lbs | 69 - 93 kg |
Based on BMI 18.5 to 24.9. Applies to adults 18 and over. Not intended for use during pregnancy.
What these ranges are based on
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is calculated using weight and height:
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m) squaredThe World Health Organization classifies BMI 18.5 to 24.9 as the healthy weight range for adults. Below 18.5 is considered underweight. 25 to 29.9 is overweight. 30 and above is obese.
These thresholds come from large population studies that found increased health risks below and above these ranges for most adults. They are not a perfect individual measurement, and we will get to the limitations in a moment, but they are a reasonable starting point for most people.
Ideal body weight formulas for men and women
The chart above gives the same range for both sexes because BMI does not differentiate by sex. But several formulas give separate ideal weight targets for men and women. The most commonly referenced one is the Devine formula.
Devine ideal body weight formula
For men:
IBW = 50 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feetFor women:
IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feetExamples:
| Height | Devine IBW (men) | Devine IBW (women) |
|---|---|---|
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 59 kg (130 lbs) | 55 kg (121 lbs) |
| 5'7" (170 cm) | 66 kg (145 lbs) | 62 kg (136 lbs) |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 73 kg (162 lbs) | 69 kg (152 lbs) |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 78 kg (172 lbs) | 74 kg (163 lbs) |
Worth knowing: the Devine formula was originally developed in 1974 to help doctors calculate medication doses, not to define fitness or appearance goals. It gives a single number rather than a range, and it tends to produce lower targets for taller people than BMI-based ranges do. Use it as a rough reference point, not a precise target.
Limitations of weight charts
These charts are useful starting points, but they have real limits that are worth understanding.
They do not account for muscle vs fat
Someone who weighs 85 kg with 15% body fat is in a very different health position than someone who weighs 85 kg with 32% body fat. The chart would put both in the same weight category. Body fat percentage tells you much more about body composition than weight alone. If you want to understand what your weight is made of, our Body Fat Calculator is a better starting point.
BMI was not designed for everyone
BMI has known accuracy issues for people who carry a lot of muscle (athletes and bodybuilders often appear overweight or obese by BMI), older adults who may have lost muscle, and certain ethnic groups where health risks appear at lower BMI thresholds. For most sedentary or moderately active adults, it works reasonably well as a quick screen.
Where you carry fat matters more than total weight
Body fat stored around the abdomen (visceral fat) carries higher health risk than fat stored on the hips and thighs. Two people with the same BMI and the same weight can have very different health profiles depending on fat distribution. Waist circumference is often a more informative measure of cardiovascular and metabolic risk than BMI.
What if you are outside the healthy range?
If your weight falls outside the healthy BMI range, that is useful information, but it is not the full picture.
Being slightly above the healthy range with good muscle mass, active habits, and healthy blood markers is a different situation from being above the range with high body fat and no regular exercise. Being slightly below the range while eating well and feeling strong is different from being underweight due to undereating or illness.
Use the chart as one data point among several. Combine it with your body fat percentage, your energy levels, your activity habits, and if possible, your basic health markers from a regular check-up.
Our BMI Calculator will calculate your current BMI and tell you what it means for your height. For a deeper look at what your BMI tells you and what it misses, read our article on what is a healthy BMI.
Beyond the number: what else to track
If you are working on your health, here are three measures that complement weight and give you a more complete picture:
Body fat percentage
This tells you what proportion of your body weight is fat versus lean mass. Healthy ranges vary by age and sex. A woman with 24% body fat is in a very different position to one with 38% body fat, even if they weigh the same. See our body fat percentage chart by age and gender for reference ranges.
Waist circumference
The general guidelines used by health organisations suggest keeping waist circumference below 94 cm (37 inches) for men and below 80 cm (31.5 inches) for women as a basic risk indicator. These thresholds are associated with lower cardiovascular and metabolic risk in large population studies.
Trend over time
A single weight reading can be misleading because of water retention, meal timing, and normal day-to-day fluctuation. Track your weight trend over 2 to 4 weeks rather than reacting to individual readings. A consistent trend in the right direction matters more than where you land on any single day.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I weigh for my height?
The healthy weight range based on BMI 18.5 to 24.9 gives a practical starting point. At 5 foot 4 inches, for example, that range is roughly 108 to 145 pounds (49 to 66 kg). Use the chart above to find the range for your specific height.
Is the healthy weight range the same for men and women?
The BMI-based chart is the same for both sexes at any given height. Ideal body weight formulas like the Devine formula do produce different numbers for men and women because of differences in average body composition. Our Ideal Weight Calculator takes your sex into account when giving you a personalised estimate.
What if I am within the healthy range but still feel unfit?
Weight is just one measure. Two people at the same weight can have very different amounts of muscle versus fat. If you feel unfit despite being at a healthy weight, improving your body composition through strength training and activity will likely matter more than changing your weight.
Can I be overweight by BMI but still healthy?
Yes, this is very common for people who carry a lot of muscle. BMI does not distinguish between fat and muscle. A dedicated weightlifter may have a BMI in the overweight range while having excellent health markers and low body fat. Body fat percentage is a more accurate measure in that situation.
How much should a woman who is 5 foot 4 weigh?
Based on the BMI healthy range, approximately 108 to 145 pounds (49 to 66 kg). Many women in that height range naturally aim for the lower half of that bracket, around 110 to 130 pounds, depending on their build, activity level, and goals. What matters most is your body composition and how you feel, not hitting an exact number.
Is BMI accurate?
BMI is a practical screening tool, not a precise individual health measure. It does not account for muscle mass, age, bone density, or where you carry body fat. For most average adults, it gives a useful rough picture. For athletes, older adults, or people with a lot of abdominal fat at a normal weight, it can be misleading in either direction. Read more in our article comparing BMI vs body fat percentage.