What this calculator does
The usual guideline for a weighted blanket is about 10% of body weight plus a small addition. For a 70 kg adult that gives 7.7 kg, or about 17 pounds.
It is a rule of thumb from the retail industry rather than a clinical standard, and the evidence base for any particular weight is thin. Comfort varies considerably between people, and the practical advice is that if a blanket feels too heavy it is too heavy, whatever the calculation says.
The formula
The recommended weight is body weight divided by ten plus 0.68 kg, which is the metric form of the common ten percent plus one and a half pounds guideline. The result is converted to pounds. Blankets are sold in fixed weight increments, so the nearest available size is what you would actually buy.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ten percent rule | The common retail guideline: about a tenth of body weight. |
| Deep pressure stimulation | The proposed mechanism, in which broad even pressure is calming. Evidence is mixed and mostly from small studies. |
| Fill | Glass beads or plastic pellets sewn into pockets, which is what provides the weight. |
The inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Body weight (kg) | Body weight in kilograms. For adults only, see the FAQ on children. |
When to use it
Choosing a blanket size
Blankets come in fixed weights, so the calculation indicates which of the available options to start from.
Checking a blanket you already have
A blanket that feels uncomfortably heavy may simply be sized for someone larger, which the calculation confirms quickly.
Buying for someone else
The guideline needs their body weight rather than yours, and a blanket several sizes out is unpleasant rather than merely suboptimal.
Worked examples
Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.
What blanket weight suits each body weight?
A range of adult body weights with the guideline blanket weight.
| Body weight | Recommended blanket weight | In pounds |
|---|---|---|
| 40 kg | 4.7 kg | 10.3 lb |
| 55 kg | 6.2 kg | 13.6 lb |
| 70 kg | 7.7 kg | 16.9 lb |
| 90 kg | 9.7 kg | 21.3 lb |
Questions
Is the ten percent rule based on evidence?
Not strongly. It originated in occupational therapy practice and was adopted by retailers, and the research on weighted blankets, while generally positive on sleep and anxiety, has not established that any particular weight is optimal. Treat it as a starting point rather than a prescription.
Can children use weighted blankets?
Only with care and professional advice. The guideline here is for adults. Weighted blankets carry a genuine suffocation and entrapment risk for young children and for anyone unable to remove the blanket themselves, and they are not recommended for infants or toddlers at all.
What if it feels too heavy?
Use a lighter one. Comfort is the thing that matters and it varies considerably between people regardless of body weight. A blanket that feels oppressive will not help you sleep, which is the entire purpose.
Are there people who should avoid them?
Anyone with respiratory conditions, sleep apnoea, circulatory problems or limited mobility should speak to a doctor first. The concern is the ability to move or remove the blanket freely, and it applies regardless of what the weight calculation suggests.
For another sizing question driven by body measurements, see the belt size calculator. For daily activity, see the steps to km calculator.