What is a healthy weight for a woman who is 5 feet 6 inches? Here are the evidence-based ranges from BMI guidelines and ideal weight formulas.
Four established formulas, each developed for clinical use.
A woman who is 5 feet 6 inches has a healthy weight range of 115–154 lb (52–70 kg) according to standard BMI guidelines (BMI 18.5–24.9). This range is based on population-level research linking body weight to health outcomes including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality.
The four established ideal weight formulas (Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi) give a single target weight rather than a range. For a 5'6" woman, these formulas average out to approximately 132 lb (59.7 kg). This sits comfortably within the BMI healthy range and can serve as a useful personal target.
💡 Quick check: If you are a woman at 5'6" and your weight is between 115–154 lb (52–70 kg), your BMI is in the healthy range. Use our BMI calculator to get your exact number.
If you are of Asian descent, the WHO recommends a lower healthy BMI ceiling of 22.9 (rather than 24.9) because Asian populations develop metabolic health risks at lower BMI values. For a 5'6" woman, the Asian-standard healthy weight range is 115–142 lb (52–64 kg). See our Asian BMI Calculator for a full assessment.
Each ideal weight formula was developed for a specific clinical purpose:
None of these formulas accounts for body composition, muscle mass, or bone density. A muscular athlete and a sedentary woman of the same height will have the same "ideal weight" by formula — but very different body fat percentages. For a fuller picture, use our Body Fat Calculator alongside this guide.
A woman at 5'6" is above average height — above the global average for adult females (roughly 163 cm). Height context matters because weight perception is often distorted by the people we see around us. Understanding where your height falls globally can help set realistic expectations about what a healthy body looks and feels like.
At a mid-range healthy BMI of 21.7, a woman at 5'6" would weigh approximately 61.2 kg (135 lb). This is a useful anchor point — not a target, but a reference to understand the scale of the healthy range.
The table below shows estimated daily calorie needs for a 30-year-old woman at 5'6" and a mid-range healthy weight of 61.2 kg, calculated using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation — the most clinically validated formula for estimating energy needs.
| Activity Level | Calories / Day | Typical Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Sedentary | 1621 kcal | Desk job, little or no exercise |
| Lightly active | 1858 kcal | Light exercise 1–3 days/week |
| Moderately active | 2094 kcal | Moderate exercise 3–5 days/week |
Calorie needs change with age and actual body weight. Use our Calorie Calculator for a personalised estimate based on your exact stats.
At this height range, two women at the same BMI can have dramatically different body fat percentages depending on muscle mass. Consider tracking waist circumference (aim for under 80 cm) alongside BMI for a more complete picture of metabolic health.
⚠️ These weight ranges are based on population averages and are not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Speak with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about your weight or health.
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