Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
WHR and waist-to-height ratioRuns locally · nothing uploaded
Cut-off 0.9 (WHO)
Cut-off 0.5 (keep your waist under half your height)
Cut-off 40 in / 102 cm (WHO)
How to measure: stand relaxed and measure at the end of a normal breath out, tape level. Waist: midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone. Hip: around the widest part of the buttocks.
These ratios are a rough guide to abdominal fat, not a diagnosis. Not valid during pregnancy or with abdominal swelling.
Estimates based on general formulas, for information only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
How it works
When to use it
- Checking abdominal fat when BMI looks normal.
- Tracking waist change during fat loss, which reflects visceral fat better than weight alone.
Formula
WHR = waist ÷ hipWHO cut-offs: ≥ 0.90 men, ≥ 0.85 women.
WHtR = waist ÷ heightCut-off 0.5.
Waist cut-offs: 102 cm (40 in) men, 88 cm (35 in) womenWHO / NIH thresholds for substantially increased risk.
Worked example
Given: Male, waist 34 in, hip 39 in, height 68 in
- WHR = 34 ÷ 39 ≈ 0.87, below 0.90.
- WHtR = 34 ÷ 68 = 0.50, which reaches the 0.5 cut-off.
- Waist = 34 in (86.4 cm), below 102 cm.
Result: WHR and waist are below their cut-offs; WHtR is exactly at the 0.5 cut-off and is flagged as high.
Reading the result
- Abdominal and visceral fat is more closely linked to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and abnormal lipids than overall fat.
- If any measure is at or above its cut-off, it's worth reviewing diet and activity and mentioning it at your next checkup.
Limitations
- Where you place the tape changes the result; use the same method each time.
- Not valid during pregnancy or with abdominal swelling; teens need age-specific references. Not a diagnosis.
Sources
- WHO. Waist circumference and waist–hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation. Geneva, 2008.
- Ashwell M, Gibson S. Waist-to-height ratio as an indicator of early health risk. BMJ Open. 2016;6:e010159.
How to use
- 1Choose sex and unit.
- 2Enter waist and hip, and optionally height.
- 3See your ratios and whether they are above the cut-offs.
FAQ
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
By WHO cut-offs, below 0.90 for men and below 0.85 for women. Higher values point to more abdominal fat and higher metabolic risk.
What waist size is too high?
Commonly used WHO/NIH thresholds are 102 cm (40 in) for men and 88 cm (35 in) for women.
Why waist-to-height ratio?
Keeping your waist under half your height (WHtR < 0.5) is a simple target that works across heights.