How to Calculate the Normal Weight of a Woman

The normal weight for a woman depends on a variety of factors. What is considered normal for a white woman might not be normal for a black or an Asian woman. The normal weight for a young woman will differ from that of an older woman. Your height will also influence what is considered normal. The standard for normal changes every year, as the nation is getting increasingly heavier. Last, calculating a normal weight may not mean the same as calculating a healthy weight.

Instructions

How to Calculate

• 1

  Measure your height. The taller you are, the heavier your normal weight will be.

• 2

  Find a weight and height chart. There are many good ones online. Try to find one that takes your race into consideration such as Halls.md. Follow the instructions on how to find your normal weight. According to this chart, what is considered your normal weight will increase until you are somewhere between 50 or 60, then it will go back down.

• 3

  Look in the mirror. You may think that just because you are at the lower--thinner--end of the weight chart for your height and age, you are also healthier than someone who is much heavier in that same range. This is not necessarily true, as you may have a lot more body fat than the heavier one. The amount of body fat your body has will influence your weight. According to the website Drdaveanddee.com, "The percentage of body fat for a woman should not exceed 22%." The higher your body fat percentage, the flabbier you will look.

• 4

  Find alternative ways to calculate your weight such as the one given by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. If you are a woman, you should start with 100 pounds for the first 5 feet and then add another five pounds for each additional inch. According to this chart, a 5-feet-8-inches tall woman should weigh 140 pounds. Subtract 10 percent if you are a small-framed woman and add 10 percent if you are large-framed.