How to Calculate an Ideal Weight

Body Mass Index has become a popular way to measure ideal weight, but it is actually a flawed system. It does not account for build. People with larger frames are going to naturally be heavier than those with smaller ones. Using a chart that accounts for your frame will give you a better understanding of what your personal ideal weight is.

Things You'll Need

• Ideal weight chart

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Instructions

• 1

  Weigh yourself. Medical balance scales are the most accurate, but any bathroom scale will do.

• 2

  Measure your height. An easy way to do this is to stand up straight with your back against the wall and have a friend make a light pencil mark at the top of your head. Then, stretch a tape measure from the floor to the mark to measure your height.

• 3

  Determine your build. One way to do this is to circle your thumb and finger around your wrist. If they do not touch, you have a large build. If they just touch, you have a medium build. If they touch and overlap a bit, you have a small build.

• 4

  Compare your weight to a body weight chart such as the one linked to below. Go to the chart for your gender, then select your build at the top. Follow it down until you find your height. This will give you the ideal weight for your height.