Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Check your waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and fat distribution pattern using simple body measurements. Review color-coded risk levels, measurement tips, and WHO-based screening thresholds in one place.
Waist-to-hip ratio
0.75
WHR health risk
Low risk
Body shape pattern
Pear
Waist-to-height ratio
0.45
Risk summary
WHO waist-to-hip screeningYour waist-to-hip ratio is 0.75, which falls into the low risk category for women.
Your waist-to-height ratio is 0.45. Ratios under 0.50 are generally considered healthier for cardiometabolic risk screening.
A more central fat pattern is often described as apple-shaped, while more weight carried around the hips is often described as pear-shaped.
How to measure correctly
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button and below the ribs. Stand relaxed and do not suck in your stomach.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks while keeping the tape level all the way around.
- Height: Measure without shoes, standing straight against a wall.
- Use a flexible tape measure, keep it snug but not tight, and measure at the end of a normal exhale.
Health risk reference table
| Measurement | Low risk | Moderate risk | High risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men WHR | Below 0.85 | 0.85 to 0.90 | Above 0.90 |
| Women WHR | Below 0.80 | 0.80 to 0.85 | Above 0.85 |
| Waist-to-height ratio | Below 0.50 | 0.50 to 0.59 | 0.60 and above |
Disclaimer: Waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio are screening tools, not diagnoses. They do not account for muscle mass, ethnicity, pregnancy, age-related changes, or individual medical history. Use them as general guides and talk with a clinician for personal medical advice.
How to Use
- Choose inches or centimeters, then select your gender.
- Enter your waist circumference at the narrowest point of your torso.
- Enter your hip circumference at the widest part of your hips and buttocks.
- Add your height to calculate waist-to-height ratio as a second health marker.
- Review your WHR, waist-to-height ratio, body shape pattern, and color-coded risk category instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
For general screening, a waist-to-hip ratio below 0.90 for men and below 0.85 for women is usually considered lower risk. Lower cutoffs are often treated as more favorable overall, especially when paired with a waist-to-height ratio under 0.50.
Why does waist-to-hip ratio matter?
Waist-to-hip ratio helps estimate how body fat is distributed. More fat carried around the waist is associated with higher cardiometabolic risk than fat carried more around the hips and thighs.
What is waist-to-height ratio?
Waist-to-height ratio compares your waist measurement with your height. A value under 0.50 is commonly used as a simple screening target, while higher ratios may suggest higher health risk.
Is an apple body shape unhealthy?
Not automatically, but an apple-shaped pattern usually means proportionally more weight around the abdomen. That pattern is often linked with higher metabolic risk than a pear-shaped pattern, which tends to store more around the hips and thighs.
Can I use WHR to diagnose health problems?
No. WHR and waist-to-height ratio are screening tools only. They can help flag possible risk, but they do not diagnose disease or replace evaluation by a medical professional.