Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Your waist to hip ratio (WHR) compares the circumference of your waist to your hips. It's a quick indicator of body fat distribution and potential health risks linked to abdominal fat.
How it works
The waist to hip ratio is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference: WHR = waist / hip. Both measurements must use the same unit (cm or inches), since the ratio cancels out units.
Risk thresholds differ by sex. For women, a WHR of 0.80 or below is low risk, 0.81–0.85 is moderate, and above 0.85 is high. For men, 0.95 or below is low, 0.96–1.0 is moderate, and above 1.0 is high. These reflect general guidance based on World Health Organization references.
Tips
Measure your waist at the narrowest point (usually just above the belly button) and your hips at the widest point around the buttocks.
Keep the tape snug but not compressing the skin, and breathe normally. Take measurements twice and average them for accuracy.
FAQ
What is a healthy waist to hip ratio?
For women, a WHR of 0.80 or lower is considered low risk; for men, 0.95 or lower. Higher ratios suggest more abdominal fat and increased health risk.
Does the unit of measurement matter?
No, as long as both waist and hip are measured in the same unit. The ratio is unitless because the units cancel out in the division.
Is WHR better than BMI?
WHR specifically reflects fat distribution around the abdomen, which is more closely tied to cardiovascular and metabolic risk than total body weight. Both are useful but measure different things.