A healthy weight for a 5'5" man is approximately 111-150 lbs based on BMI guidelines. Multiple formulas suggest a midpoint around 137 lbs (BMI 22.8). Your ideal weight depends on muscle mass, bone structure, and body fat percentage.
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| Method | Weight (lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BMI Range | 111-150 | Healthy BMI 18.5-24.9 |
| Robinson (1983) | 136 | Updated clinical formula |
| Miller (1983) | 139 | Population-based estimate |
| Devine (1974) | 136 | Original clinical formula |
| Formula Average | 137 | Midpoint of Robinson, Miller, Devine |
137
avg ideal (lbs)
111-150
BMI range (lbs)
22.8
BMI at midpoint
111-150
full range (lbs)
Two people at 5'5" and 137 lbs can look very different depending on body fat percentage. Explore what each level looks like:
The figures above come from the Robinson, Miller, and Devine clinical formulas plus the healthy BMI range, with the midpoint shown as a practical target. These formulas were built decades ago from population averages, so they disagree by several pounds and treat everyone of a given height and sex the same.
"Ideal weight" is a range, not a single correct number. None of these formulas account for muscle mass, frame size, or body composition, so a lean, muscular person can sit above their "ideal" weight and still be healthy. For a more personal target, look at body fat percentage and the full body composition methodology.
These pages are educational, not medical advice. Our figures and methodology are reviewed by Andrew Menechian, Head of Fitness.
Rather than targeting a weight number, FitCommit scans your body to show your current lean mass and fat mass. Your ideal weight is the one where you have the body fat percentage you want while preserving muscle.
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Healthy body fat ranges are the same regardless of height: 14-24% for men and 21-31% for women (ACE guidelines). Athletes are typically 6-13% (men) and 14-20% (women). At 5'5" and 137 lbs, maintaining a body fat in the fitness range would mean carrying approximately 112 lbs of lean mass.
At 5'5", a weight above 150 lbs puts you in the overweight BMI category (25+). However, this does not account for muscle mass. A better approach is measuring body fat percentage. For man, body fat above 25% is classified as obese by the ACE.
At 5'5", a weight below 111 lbs puts you in the underweight BMI category (below 18.5). Being underweight can lead to nutrient deficiencies, weakened immunity, bone loss, and hormonal issues. If you are underweight, consult a healthcare provider and focus on nutrient-dense foods with adequate protein.
Yes. People with larger bone structures (wider wrists, broader shoulders) naturally weigh more at the same height and body fat. The formulas above provide averages. If you have a large frame, you may be healthy at the upper end of the range (150 lbs). Small-framed individuals may be healthy at the lower end (111 lbs).
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