Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
This waist-to-hip ratio calculator divides your waist measurement by your hip measurement and shows the WHO/NIH health-risk band for your sex — a quick proxy for how centrally you carry fat.
What WHR measures
Waist-to-hip ratio describes fat distribution, not how much fat you carry. Fat stored centrally (an "apple" shape) sits around the organs and is more strongly linked to heart disease and type-2 diabetes than fat stored on the hips and thighs (a "pear" shape).
How to measure
- Waist: at the narrowest point of the torso, just above the navel — relaxed, not sucked in.
- Hips: around the widest part of the buttocks.
- Keep the tape level and snug; the ratio is the same whether you measure in centimetres or inches.
Worked example
A waist of 80 cm and hips of 100 cm give WHR = 80 ÷ 100 = 0.80 — a low-risk ratio for a woman. Because it is a ratio, the same waist and hips in inches give exactly the same 0.80.
WHR risk categories
| Risk | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Low | ≤ 0.95 | ≤ 0.80 |
| Moderate | 0.96 – 1.0 | 0.81 – 0.85 |
| High | > 1.0 | > 0.85 |
The WHO specifically flags "substantially increased" risk above 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women; the bands above are the commonly-cited fuller breakdown.
WHR vs BMI vs waist circumference
WHR, BMI, and waist circumference each capture something different, so they work best together. BMI reflects overall weight-for-height, while WHR and a body fat estimate describe shape and composition. Used as a set, they give a more honest read than any one number alone.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
- Roughly ≤ 0.95 for men and ≤ 0.80 for women; the WHO flags higher risk above 0.90 (men) and 0.85 (women).
How do I measure my waist and hips?
- Waist at the narrowest point above the navel, hips at the widest part of the buttocks, tape snug but not compressing.
What does waist-to-hip ratio tell me?
- Where you store fat — central ("apple") fat is linked to higher heart-disease and diabetes risk than hip ("pear") fat.
Is WHR better than BMI?
- They measure different things; WHR captures fat distribution that BMI misses, so they're best used together.
Why does the risk band differ for men and women?
- Women naturally carry more hip fat, so the healthy ratio is lower.
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Disclaimer. Waist-to-hip ratio is a simple risk proxy for healthy adults, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice.