Health
Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Last updated: June 19, 2026
The waist-to-hip ratio is a dimensionless ratio calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference. A waist-to-hip ratio calculator determines this ratio to assess body fat distribution and evaluate associated health risks, particularly cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. According to the World Health Organization, abdominal obesity is indicated by ratios above 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women. Epidemiologists and medical professionals use this metric alongside body mass index to gauge visceral fat accumulation and general health status.
Pick inches or centimeters, choose the female or male reference, and enter waist and hip measurements. The calculator returns your waist-to-hip ratio and a screening-level category.
Quick Answer
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) to evaluate body fat distribution. Enter your waist and hip circumferences to see your health risk category.
Measure at the narrowest point above the hip bone. · e.g. 30
Measure at the widest part of the hips. · e.g. 38
The category is a screening reference based on common WHO thresholds. It is not a diagnosis.
Ratio · Low
0.789
30 in ÷ 38 in
Screening estimate, not a diagnosis. Categories use common WHO thresholds: female 0.80 / 0.85, male 0.90 / 1.00. Body shape is influenced by many factors. Talk to a clinician about your personal health.
Examples
Female 30 in waist, 38 in hip
ratio 0.789 · Low
Male 36 in waist, 38 in hip
ratio 0.947 · Moderate
Female 36 in waist, 38 in hip
ratio 0.947 · Higher
How it works
Waist-to-hip ratio is a simple shape measure. Divide the waist by the hips and compare against a reference threshold. The calculator uses the World Health Organization adult thresholds for screening categories.
Formula · WHR = waist ÷ hip
Female reference · < 0.80 low · 0.80 to 0.85 moderate · ≥ 0.85 higher
Male reference · < 0.90 low · 0.90 to 1.00 moderate · ≥ 1.00 higher
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Health note. This tool is for educational and planning use, not a medical diagnosis. For questions about cardiovascular or metabolic health, talk to a qualified clinician.
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Frequently asked questions
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) divides waist circumference by hip circumference. It is a body-shape screening measure that tracks fat distribution around the abdomen relative to the hips. A higher ratio reflects more abdominal fat relative to hips.
Measure waist at the narrowest point above the hip bone, usually around the navel. Measure hips at the widest part. Use a soft tape, hold it level around the body, breathe out normally, and do not pull tight. Take two measurements and average them.
Common WHO thresholds for adults: women under 0.80 is low, 0.80 to 0.85 is moderate, 0.85 or higher is in the higher range. Men under 0.90 is low, 0.90 to 1.00 is moderate, 1.00 or higher is in the higher range. These are screening references, not diagnostic cutoffs.
Neither replaces the other. BMI compares weight to height across the whole body. WHR focuses on fat distribution. They give different signals, and many clinicians look at both together along with waist circumference, blood pressure, and lab work for a fuller picture.
A higher ratio is one screening signal, not a diagnosis. Talk to a clinician about your overall health, family history, blood pressure, blood sugar, lipids, activity, and sleep. Body-composition habits like activity, sleep, and balanced eating influence WHR over time.
Yes. WHR can change with body composition shifts, so re-measuring monthly gives a useful trend. Measure under similar conditions each time (same time of day, same tape, same posture) for a fair comparison.
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