A 5′3″ (160 cm) woman has a healthy weight of 47.4–63.8 kg (7 st 6 lb to 10 st 1 lb), based on the NHS healthy BMI range of 18.5–24.9. The midpoint is about 56 kg (8 st 12 lb).
Ideal Weight Calculator
Healthy weight for a 5′3″ woman
A woman who is 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) tall has a healthy weight of 47.4 kg to 63.8 kg, or 7 st 6 lb to 10 st 1 lb. This is the weight range that gives a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, which the NHS classes as healthy for most adults.
At 5′3″, you would be classed as overweight from about 64.0 kg (10 st 1 lb), and as having obesity from 76.8 kg (12 st 1 lb). If you are of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean background, NICE advises a lower upper limit of BMI 22.9 – that is 58.6 kg (9 st 3 lb) at your height.
| BMI | Category | Kilograms | Stones | Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMI 18.5 | Lower healthy limit | 47.4 kg | 7 st 6 lb | 104 lb |
| BMI 20 | Healthy | 51.2 kg | 8 st 1 lb | 113 lb |
| BMI 22 | Healthy (midpoint) | 56.3 kg | 8 st 12 lb | 124 lb |
| BMI 24.9 | Upper healthy limit | 63.8 kg | 10 st 1 lb | 141 lb |
| BMI 27 | Overweight | 69.1 kg | 10 st 12 lb | 152 lb |
| BMI 30 | Obesity | 76.8 kg | 12 st 1 lb | 169 lb |
| BMI 35 | Obesity class 2 | 89.6 kg | 14 st 2 lb | 198 lb |
Ideal weight for a 5′3″ woman by age
The NHS healthy BMI range does not change between 18 and 64, so the healthy weight for a 5′3″ woman is the same at 25 as it is at 55. What does change is body composition: after about 30 we slowly lose muscle, and after the menopause fat tends to move towards the waist. That is why waist size becomes a more useful check as you get older.
| Age | Healthy weight | In stones |
|---|---|---|
| 18–64 | 47.4 – 63.8 kg | 7 st 6 lb – 10 st 1 lb |
| 65 and over* | 58.9 – 71.4 kg | 9 st 4 lb – 11 st 4 lb |
*For over-65s, a BMI of roughly 23 to 28 is linked with the lowest risk. Do not try to lose weight in later life without speaking to your GP.
Ideal weight formulas for 5′3″
Doctors and pharmacists sometimes use “ideal body weight” formulas, mainly to work out medicine doses. They give a single number rather than a range. For a 5′3″ woman they give:
| Formula | Ideal weight | Stones |
|---|---|---|
| Devine | 52.4 kg | 8 st 4 lb |
| Robinson | 54.1 kg | 8 st 7 lb |
| Miller | 57.2 kg | 9 st 0 lb |
| Hamwi | 52.1 kg | 8 st 3 lb |
| Average of formulas | 53.9 kg | 8 st 7 lb |
These formulas are a useful reference, but the NHS bases healthy weight on the BMI range, which allows for natural differences in build. Use our ideal body weight calculator for other heights.
Does frame size change your ideal weight?
Your frame (bone structure) can help you decide where in the healthy range you are likely to feel and look your best. A smaller frame usually sits towards the lower end, and a larger frame towards the upper end. Measure your wrist and use the body frame size calculator to find out.
| Frame size | Suggested part of range | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Small | BMI 18.5–22 | 47.4 – 56.3 kg (7 st 6 lb – 8 st 12 lb) |
| Medium | BMI 20–24 | 51.2 – 61.5 kg (8 st 1 lb – 9 st 9 lb) |
| Large | BMI 21.5–24.9 | 55.1 – 63.8 kg (8 st 9 lb – 10 st 1 lb) |
How does a 5′3″ woman compare with the UK average?
The average woman in England is 162.3 cm (5 ft 4 in) tall and weighs 72.8 kg (11 st 6 lb), according to the Health Survey for England 2022. The average BMI is 27.6, which is in the overweight range, so “average” is not the same as “healthy”. See average weight for women in the UK.
Check your waist too. For a 5′3″ woman, a healthy waist is under 80 cm (32 in) – half your height (NICE).
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal weight for a 5′3″ woman?
The NHS healthy weight for a 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) woman is 47.4 to 63.8 kg, or 7 st 6 lb to 10 st 1 lb. The middle of the range (BMI 22) is 56.3 kg (8 st 12 lb).
How much should a 5′3″ woman weigh in stone?
Between 7 st 6 lb and 10 st 1 lb. Above 10 st 1 lb is classed as overweight for most adults.
Is 10 st 8 lb overweight for a 5′3″ woman?
Yes. 10 st 8 lb (67.0 kg) gives a BMI of about 26.2 at 5′3″, which is in the overweight range (25 to 29.9).
What should a 5′3″ woman weigh at 50 or 60?
The same healthy range applies from 18 to 64: 7 st 6 lb to 10 st 1 lb. Over 65, a slightly higher weight of about 9 st 4 lb to 11 st 4 lb is not usually a concern.
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Medical disclaimer: this guide is general information for adults and is not a diagnosis or medical advice. bmicalculatornhs.net is independent and not affiliated with the NHS. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional about your own health. Full disclaimer.