About

Generic weight charts often fail women by ignoring skeletal structure. A woman with a 6.5-inch wrist (Large Frame) naturally carries more bone and muscle mass than a woman of the same height with a 5.5-inch wrist (Small Frame). Aiming for a "standard" weight can lead to frustration or unhealthy dieting for those with larger frames.

This calculator utilizes the Metropolitan Life Insurance methodology, which categorizes weight ranges based on frame size. By measuring the wrist circumference, we can determine the "Frame Category" (Small, Medium, Large) and adjust the target weight range accordingly, providing a more realistic and sustainable health goal.

Formulas

Frame Size Calculation:

{

Small if wrist < 6.0"Medium if wrist = 6.0" - 6.25"Large if wrist > 6.25"

Note: These cutoffs apply to women with a height over 5'5". For shorter stature, the wrist thresholds are lower.

Reference Data

Height	Small Frame	Medium Frame	Large Frame
5'2"	108-121 lbs	118-132 lbs	128-143 lbs
5'4"	114-127 lbs	124-138 lbs	134-151 lbs
5'6"	120-133 lbs	130-144 lbs	140-159 lbs
5'8"	126-139 lbs	136-150 lbs	146-167 lbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Use a flexible tape measure. Wrap it around the smallest part of your wrist, just below the styloid process (the bony lump). Do not pull tight; the tape should be snug but not compressing the skin.

The Metropolitan Life tables were originally intended for adults aged 25-59. While metabolism slows with age, skeletal frame size remains constant. However, current medical advice often allows for slightly higher weights in post-menopausal women to protect bone density.