Why does the calculator show 4 different results instead of one number?
"Ideal weight" isn't a single fixed scientific number agreed upon 100% — each formula was developed with different assumptions and data. Showing all four together gives you a broader, more honest picture than relying on just one formula, and we used their average as the best general estimate.
What is the Devine formula and why is it the most famous?
It was developed by Dr. B.J. Devine in 1974, and is widely used medically to calculate dosages for certain medications based on "lean" body weight rather than actual weight, making it the most widespread and cited among the four formulas.
Does the ideal weight calculated here account for muscle mass?
No — all four formulas are based on height and gender only, without distinguishing between muscle and fat. So athletes with high muscle mass may appear "heavier than ideal" despite actually being quite fit — in this case, body fat percentage is a more accurate indicator than ideal weight alone.
What's the difference between this calculator and the BMI calculator?
BMI classifies your current weight (underweight/normal/overweight/obese) based on your height alone, while this calculator gives you a specific target number or range in kilograms to aim for, using several different calculation methods.
Should I aim exactly for the "average" number shown?
No, consider it an approximate starting point within a reasonable range (also check the healthy BMI range in the result), not a precise target you must hit exactly. Age, body frame, and general health status are all factors best determined with a doctor or dietitian.
