Internal Medicine

Ideal and Adjusted Body Weight (IBW & AdjBW)

IBW & ABW Calculator

IBW & ABW Calculator

Calculates Ideal Body Weight (Devine formula) and Adjusted Body Weight (ABW) for precise medication dosing in patients.
Biological Sex
Required for the Devine formula
Patient Height
Used to determine baseline Ideal Body Weight
cm
Actual Body Weight
Used to calculate Adjusted Body Weight if obese
kg
0.0
kg (IBW)
Analyzing…
Adjusted Body Weight (ABW): –
Weight TypeValue (kg)Typical Clinical Use Cases
Ideal Body Weight (IBW) – Acyclovir, Theophylline, standard maintenance IV fluids.
Actual Body Weight – Vancomycin, LMWH, Unfractionated Heparin.
1
Patients under 5 feet (60 inches): The original Devine formula is approximations for ≥60 inches. This calculator applies the expert modification: subtracting 2 lbs (0.9 kg) for each inch below 60.
2
Fluid Overload: Actual body weight can be falsely elevated in patients with severe edema, ascites, or fluid overload. Clinical judgment is required.
3
Drug-Specific Protocols: Always consult specific pharmacy guidelines or drug monographs. Some institutions use 20% over IBW as the threshold to switch to ABW.
This calculator is intended for clinical decision support by medical professionals only. Final decisions always rest upon clinical judgment.
References:
  • Devine BJ. Gentamicin therapy. Drug Intell Clin Pharm. 1974;8:650-655.
  • Pai MP, Paloucek FP. The origin of the “ideal” body weight equations. Ann Pharmacother. 2000;34(9):1066-1069.
Reviewed by ·
Semahattin Serkan Sezer MD

Pulmonologist and Intensive Care Specialist specializing in clinical informatics and the development of evidence-based decision support tools for healthcare professionals.