Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) to assess health risk. Understand body fat distribution and cardiovascular risk.
About this calculator
The waist-to-hip ratio compares the size of your waist with the size of your hips. It is a simple way to see where you carry fat. Fat around the middle, the apple shape, goes with higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes than fat on the hips and thighs.
Enter both measurements and your sex, and the page returns the ratio, a risk category based on WHO thresholds and the body shape. Waist-to-hip ratio is often a better predictor of health risk than BMI, because BMI cannot see where fat sits.
How to use it
- Measure your Waist at the narrowest point, or at the navel if there is no narrow point.
- Measure your Hips at the widest point.
- Choose Male or Female.
- Read the ratio, risk level and shape.
Ratio and thresholds
WHR = Waist ÷ Hip. WHO thresholds: men below 0.90 low risk, 0.90 to 0.99 moderate and 1.0 or more high. Women below 0.80 low, 0.80 to 0.84 moderate and 0.85 or more high. A ratio at or above 0.90 for men or 0.85 for women is considered abdominal obesity.
Worked example
Man, waist 85 cm, hips 95 cm
| Waist-to-hip ratio | 0.89 |
| Risk | Low |
| Shape | Pear |
If his waist grew to 92 cm with the same hips, the ratio would be 0.97, which is moderate risk.
This tool gives general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or dietitian before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication.
Tips and common mistakes
- Measure over bare skin or thin clothing, standing, after breathing out.
- Use the same tape and position each time.
- Waist size alone is also a useful number: over 102 cm for men or 88 cm for women signals risk.
- For South Asians, lower waist limits apply: 90 cm for men and 80 cm for women.
- A falling ratio is good news even if the scale does not move.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good waist-to-hip ratio?
Below 0.90 for men and below 0.85 for women, or lower by WHO low-risk bands.
Is WHR better than BMI?
For predicting heart risk it often is, since it reflects where fat is stored.
How do I measure my hips?
Around the widest part of the buttocks, with feet together.
Can I change my ratio?
Yes, by losing abdominal fat through diet and exercise.
Does age matter?
Ratios tend to rise with age.
Is this a diagnosis?
No. It is a screening measure.