Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

How it works

WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference

Units cancel out, so inches or centimeters both work as long as you use the same for both.

WHO cutoffs

The WHO Expert Consultation (2008) identifies a substantially increased risk of metabolic complications at:

The same report gives waist-circumference cutoffs (for example, above 94 cm / 37 in for men and 80 cm / 31.5 in for women for increased risk in European populations) and notes that ideal cutoffs may differ by ethnicity. We compare your ratio, rounded to two decimals, with these cutoffs.

How to measure (WHO protocol)

• Waist: midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone (iliac crest), at the end of a normal breath out.
• Hips: around the widest part of the buttocks.
• Stand straight, feet together, arms relaxed; keep the tape level and snug, not tight.

WHR vs. BMI

BMI tells you about overall size; WHR adds information about fat distribution. Two people with the same BMI can have very different WHRs. Using both, alongside a body fat estimate, gives a fuller picture.

Why fat location matters

Fat stored deep in the abdomen around the organs (visceral fat) is more metabolically active than fat stored under the skin on the hips and thighs. It is associated with insulin resistance, unhealthy blood lipid levels and higher blood pressure. That is why two people with the same weight can carry very different health risks — and why the WHO considers waist-based measures a useful addition to BMI.

Body shape: "apple" and "pear"

A higher WHR is often described as an "apple" shape (more weight around the middle) and a lower WHR as a "pear" shape (more around hips and thighs). Men tend toward apple shapes and pre-menopausal women toward pear shapes; after menopause, women often gain more abdominal fat, so WHR can rise even without weight change.

Waist-to-hip ratio vs. waist circumference vs. waist-to-height

Measuring consistently at home

To track change over time, measure at the same time of day — ideally in the morning before eating — in light clothing or none, using the same tape. Take each measurement twice; if they differ by more than about 1 cm (½ inch), take a third and average the closest two. Avoid measuring right after a large meal or exercise, when bloating or fluid shifts can change the result.

What to do with a high result

A ratio above the cutoff is a signal, not a diagnosis. It's worth mentioning to your doctor, who may check blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. Regular physical activity, reducing excess calories, limiting alcohol and getting enough sleep are all associated with smaller waists over time.

Tracking change

Waist size often changes before weight does when you start exercising, and it is a good motivator: a drop of 2–3 cm in waist over a couple of months is meaningful even if the scale barely moves.

Worked examples

Example 1: Man, waist 36 in, hips 40 in

36 ÷ 40 = 0.90 → at the 0.90 cutoff: substantially increased risk.

Example 2: Woman, waist 30 in, hips 38 in

30 ÷ 38 ≈ 0.79 → below 0.85: low risk.

Limitations

• Cutoffs were derived mainly from certain populations; risk thresholds vary by ethnicity.
• Measuring position strongly affects the result.
• Not meaningful for people with a BMI of 35 or more, where waist alone may be more useful.

Who should not rely on this calculator

Not for children, pregnancy, or people with abdominal swelling, hernias or recent abdominal surgery. A high result is a prompt to talk with your doctor, not a diagnosis.