Ideal Body Proportions Calculator
What should your body measurements be for classic proportions? Enter your skeletal frame measurements to see your ideal proportions based on three time-tested models — Steve Reeves, John McCallum, and the Grecian golden ratio. Optionally enter your actual measurements to see how you compare.
Proportion score
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Skeletal frame measurements
These bone-site measurements determine your ideal proportions. Measure at the narrowest/widest point as described.
Your actual measurements (optional)
Enter any body measurements you know to see how they compare to the ideal. Leave at 0 to skip.
How to measure
- Wrist: Narrowest point, just above the wrist bone. Keep tape snug but not tight.
- Ankle: Narrowest point, just above the ankle bone.
- Knee: Around the kneecap with leg straight.
- Pelvis/hip: Around the widest point of the hips/buttocks.
- Head: Around the forehead, just above the eyebrows.
- Chest: At nipple level, tape flat across the back.
- Shoulder: Around the widest point of the deltoids (arms at sides).
- Bicep: Flexed, at the peak of the bicep.
Overall proportion score
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Enter your actual body measurements to see your score
Enter your actual body measurements to see how you compare to the classic ideals.
Steve Reeves model
Muscle-to-bone ratios — personalised to your skeletal frame
John McCallum model
All proportions derived from your wrist — simple and time-tested
Grecian Ideal (Golden Ratio)
Shoulder-to-waist ratio of φ (1.618) — the Adonis Index
How it works
This calculator uses three independent models to estimate your "ideal" body proportions. Steve Reeves used ratios between skeletal measurement sites (wrist, ankle, knee, pelvis, head) to determine how large each muscle group should be — the most personalised approach. John McCallum derived all measurements from a single wrist circumference — simple but surprisingly accurate for average frames. The Grecian Ideal applies the golden ratio (φ ≈ 1.618) to the shoulder-to-waist relationship, based on proportions found in Greek and Roman statuary.
Important: These "ideal" proportions come from bodybuilding aesthetics of the 1940s-1970s and classical sculpture — they are cultural ideals, not health standards. They were primarily developed for male physiques; female proportional ideals differ significantly and are not well-served by these models. Body shape is influenced by genetics, training style, and personal goals. Use these as interesting reference points, not prescriptive targets.
Sources: Steve Reeves, "Building the Classic Physique The Natural Way" (1947); John McCallum, "Keys to Progress" (IronMan magazine, 1960s-1970s); Eugen Sandow, classical Greek proportions and the golden ratio (φ ≈ 1.618); Muscle & Strength, "What Are The Ideal Body Measurements?" — formula compilation.