Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio and health-risk band.
Calculated instantly in your browser.
How do you calculate waist-to-hip ratio?
Waist-to-hip ratio = waist ÷ hip. For example, a waist of 80 cm and hips of 100 cm give a ratio of 0.80. WHO risk bands for men are under 0.90 low, 0.90–0.99 moderate, 1.00+ high; for women, under 0.80 low, 0.80–0.84 moderate, 0.85+ high. It shows how body fat is distributed.
Understanding your result
Carrying more fat around the waist (an apple shape) is linked to higher cardiovascular and metabolic risk than fat around the hips (a pear shape). The ratio captures this in a single number, independent of overall height.
Formula and method
Waist-to-hip ratio = waist ÷ hip. WHO risk bands — men: under 0.90 low, 0.90–0.99 moderate, 1.00+ high; women: under 0.80 low, 0.80–0.84 moderate, 0.85+ high.
Assumptions and limitations
This ratio is a general screening estimate, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Its accuracy depends on measuring the waist and hips at the correct points, and the single number cannot capture overall health, muscle, or where fat sits internally. Use it alongside other measures and professional guidance.
Worked example
A waist of 80 cm and hips of 100 cm give a ratio of 0.80.
How to use this tool
- Measure your waist at its narrowest point.
- Measure your hips at their widest point.
- Enter both and select your sex.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Measuring waist and hips in different units.
- Measuring the waist at the belly button rather than its narrowest point.
About the Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
The Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator divides your waist measurement by your hip measurement to gauge how body fat is distributed — a quick indicator of health risk that complements BMI.
Who should use this tool
Anyone tracking body composition, fitness progress or cardiovascular risk factors.
Benefits
- Instant ratio from two measurements.
- WHO risk band tailored to your sex.
- Works in centimetres or inches.
- A useful complement to BMI.
Practical use cases
- Checking fat distribution alongside BMI.
- Tracking shape changes during a fitness plan.
- Understanding apple vs pear body shape.
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Frequently asked questions
Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?
They measure different things. BMI reflects overall weight for height; WHR reflects where fat is stored. Used together they give a fuller picture.
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
Generally below 0.90 for men and below 0.80 for women is considered low risk, though it is only one indicator among many.
Where exactly should I measure my waist and hips?
For a consistent ratio, measure the waist at its narrowest point and the hips at their widest, keeping the tape level and snug without compressing the skin. Measuring at different spots changes the result, so use the same reference points each time you compare readings.