Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Measure your waist and hips, enter them in centimeters or inches and see your waist-to-hip ratio with the WHO health risk category for your sex.
How to measure
- Waist: midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone (iliac crest), after breathing out normally.
- Hips: around the widest part of the buttocks, feet together.
- Use a snug but not tight tape, held level all the way round.
WHO risk categories
| Health risk | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Low | below 0.90 | below 0.80 |
| Moderate | 0.90 – 0.99 | 0.80 – 0.84 |
| High | 1.00 or more | 0.85 or more |
WHO defines abdominal obesity as a WHR of 0.90 or more in men and 0.85 or more in women.
For information only – not medical advice. WHR is a screening measure and does not diagnose any condition. Cut-offs may differ for some ethnic groups, children and during pregnancy; ask a healthcare professional to interpret your results.
How to use the Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
- Pick your sex and the units you measured in.
- Measure your waist midway between the lowest rib and the hip bone, and your hips at the widest point.
- Enter both values, plus your height if you also want the waist-to-height ratio.
- Press Calculate ratio to see your WHR, risk category and body shape.
- Compare with the WHO table below and track the ratio over time.
Waist-to-hip ratio formula
WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference, using the same unit for both. Example: a woman with an 80 cm waist and 98 cm hips has a WHR of 80 ÷ 98 = 0.82, which is in the moderate-risk band for women. A man with a 36 in waist and 40 in hips has 36 ÷ 40 = 0.90, right at the WHO cut-off for men.
Why waist-to-hip ratio matters
Fat stored around the abdomen (an "apple" shape) is linked more strongly with heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure than fat on the hips and thighs (a "pear" shape). The World Health Organization's 2008 expert consultation defines abdominal obesity as a WHR of 0.90 or more for men and 0.85 or more for women. Unlike BMI, WHR captures where fat sits, so it can flag risk in people with a normal BMI.
Related measures
| Measure | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Waist circumference – increased risk (WHO) | > 94 cm (37 in) | > 80 cm (31.5 in) |
| Waist circumference – substantially increased | > 102 cm (40 in) | > 88 cm (34.6 in) |
| Waist-to-height ratio – increased risk | 0.5 or more ("keep your waist to less than half your height") | |
Lower waist thresholds are often recommended for South Asian, Chinese and Japanese adults (for example 90 cm for men and 80 cm for women). This calculator is an estimate for information, not a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
According to WHO cut-offs, a ratio below 0.90 for men and below 0.80 for women is considered low risk. From 0.90 (men) and 0.85 (women) upwards counts as abdominal obesity with substantially higher health risk.
How do I calculate my waist-to-hip ratio?
Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. For example, a 32 inch waist and 40 inch hips give 32 ÷ 40 = 0.80.
Where exactly should I measure my waist?
WHO recommends measuring at the midpoint between the bottom of the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone, at the end of a normal breath out. Some guidelines use the navel, which usually gives a similar result.
Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?
They measure different things. BMI relates weight to height but ignores where fat is stored. WHR reflects abdominal fat, which studies link more closely to heart disease and diabetes. Using both gives a fuller picture.
What is the difference between apple and pear shapes?
Apple-shaped people carry more fat around the waist (a higher WHR); pear-shaped people carry more on the hips and thighs (a lower WHR). Apple shapes are associated with higher cardiometabolic risk.
Is this calculator medical advice?
No. It is a screening estimate for information only. Talk to a doctor about your individual health risks.