Waist-to-Hip Ratio & Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator

Your Measurements

Gender

Height (cm)

Waist Circumference (cm)

Measure at navel level, relaxed (not sucked in)

Hip Circumference (cm)

Measure at widest point of buttocks

Your Results

Waist-to-Hip Ratio

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Waist-to-Height Ratio

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Shape Classification

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Body fat pattern

Health Risk Assessment

WHR Risk Categories

Men:

Low risk: <0.90

Moderate risk: 0.90-0.99

High risk: ≥1.00

Women:

Low risk: <0.80

Moderate risk: 0.80-0.85

High risk: ≥0.86

WHtR Risk Categories

Extremely Slim: <0.35

Healthy/Slim: 0.35-0.42

Healthy: 0.43-0.52

Overweight: 0.53-0.57

Very Overweight: 0.58-0.62

Obese: ≥0.63

Rule of thumb: Keep waist <50% of height

Waist Circumference Thresholds (WHO)

Men:

Increased risk: ≥94 cm (37 in)

Substantially increased risk: ≥102 cm (40 in)

Women:

Increased risk: ≥80 cm (31.5 in)

Substantially increased risk: ≥88 cm (34.6 in)

How It Works

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)

WHR = Waist Circumference (cm) / Hip Circumference (cm)

WHR indicates body fat distribution. Higher values suggest "apple shape" (abdominal obesity), which carries greater cardiovascular risk than "pear shape" (hip/thigh fat).

Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR)

WHtR = Waist Circumference (cm) / Height (cm)

WHtR is considered a better predictor of health risk than BMI. The simple rule: "Keep your waist circumference to less than half your height."

Example Calculation

Example: Male, 175 cm tall, waist 85 cm, hip 95 cm

WHR: 85 / 95 = 0.89 → Low risk (below 0.90)
WHtR: 85 / 175 = 0.49 → Healthy (between 0.43-0.52)
Shape: Balanced distribution
Risk: Low cardiovascular risk based on fat distribution

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is waist measurement important for health? ▼

Abdominal (visceral) fat surrounds organs and releases inflammatory compounds linked to heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. WHR and WHtR are better predictors of these risks than BMI alone.

What's better: WHR or WHtR? ▼

WHtR is simpler (only needs waist and height) and correlates well with cardiovascular risk. WHR provides additional info about body shape and fat distribution. Both are valuable; use both for comprehensive assessment.

How do I measure my waist correctly? ▼

Stand relaxed, breathe normally, measure at navel level (or midpoint between lowest rib and hip bone). Don't suck in your stomach. Measure directly on skin or thin clothing for accuracy.

Can I reduce my WHR or WHtR? ▼

Yes! Caloric deficit, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training reduce abdominal fat. You cannot spot-reduce fat, but overall fat loss preferentially reduces visceral (abdominal) fat first.

What body shapes do these ratios identify? ▼

High WHR (≥0.90 men, ≥0.85 women) suggests "apple shape" (android obesity) with abdominal fat. Low WHR suggests "pear shape" (gynoid obesity) with hip/thigh fat. Apple shape carries higher metabolic risk.

References & Sources

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WHO - Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio Report

World Health Organization guidelines on waist measurements and health risks

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Ashwell M, et al. - Waist-to-height ratio is a better screening tool than waist circumference and BMI

Obes Rev. 2012 Mar;13(3):275-86

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NHLBI - Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines on waist circumference

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Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator - Calculator.net

Comprehensive reference on WHR interpretation and health implications

Waist Ratio Calculator