Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

How to calculate waist-to-hip ratio

Your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) compares the size of your waist with the size of your hips:

WHR = Waist circumference ÷ Hip circumference

Both measurements must be in the same unit. The ratio itself has no unit, so the result is the same in centimeters or inches.

Example: a woman with a 76 cm waist and 100 cm hips has a WHR of 76 ÷ 100 = 0.76. A man with a 94 cm waist and 100 cm hips has a WHR of 0.94.

What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?

The World Health Organization uses these cutoffs for a substantially increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic problems:

• Women: a ratio of 0.85 or more
• Men: a ratio of 0.90 or more

Below these values, the ratio is generally linked to lower risk. The cutoffs were developed mostly from studies of European populations, so some health bodies suggest lower values for people of Asian descent.

Apple and pear body shapes

People who carry more weight around the middle have a higher ratio and are often called apple-shaped. People who carry more weight on the hips and thighs have a lower ratio and are called pear-shaped. Fat around the waist, including fat around the organs, is more strongly linked to health problems than fat on the hips.

Waist size on its own

The WHO also gives thresholds for waist circumference alone:

• Women: increased risk above 80 cm (31.5 in), substantially increased above 88 cm (34.6 in)
• Men: increased risk above 94 cm (37 in), substantially increased above 102 cm (40.2 in)

Waist-to-height ratio

Waist-to-height ratio divides your waist by your height. A common rule is to keep your waist to less than half your height, a ratio under 0.5, which works for adults of any sex.

How to measure your waist and hips

1. Waist: stand up straight and breathe out normally. Wrap a tape measure around your waist at the narrowest point, or midway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone. Keep the tape level and snug, without pressing into the skin.
2. Hips: stand with your feet together and measure around the widest part of your buttocks.
3. Measure twice. If the two readings differ by more than 1 cm (half an inch), measure again and use the average.

How to use the calculator

1. Choose your sex and unit. The calculator uses the WHO cutoffs for men or women. If you switch units, your measurements are converted.
2. Enter your waist and hip measurements.
3. Add your height (optional) to see your waist-to-height ratio as well.
4. Read your results. You get your waist-to-hip ratio, your risk level, body shape, your risk based on waist size alone, and the waist size that would put your ratio below the cutoff.

These ratios are screening tools, not a diagnosis. They do not measure body fat directly and can be less accurate during pregnancy, for very muscular people, or for children. Talk to a doctor about your overall health.