Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Assess your abdominal obesity risk using WHO standards. Supports cm and inches.
Measure at the narrowest point, midway between bottom rib and hip bone.
Measure at the widest point of the buttocks with feet together.
Your Results
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
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Waist
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Hip
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Body Shape
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WHO Risk Classification
| Category | Male WHR | Female WHR | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | < 0.90 | < 0.80 | Low cardiovascular & metabolic risk |
| Moderate Risk | 0.90 – 0.99 | 0.80 – 0.85 | Moderately increased risk |
| High Risk | ≥ 1.00 | ≥ 0.86 | Substantially increased risk |
Source: World Health Organization (WHO), 2008 — Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio: Report of a WHO Expert Consultation.
Ideal Waist Circumference Guidelines
| Organization | Men | Women | Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHO | < 94 cm (37 in) | < 80 cm (31.5 in) | Overweight action level |
| IDF | < 94 cm (37 in)* | < 80 cm (31.5 in) | Metabolic syndrome criterion |
| AHA / NHLBI | < 102 cm (40 in) | < 88 cm (35 in) | Metabolic syndrome criterion |
*IDF threshold varies by ethnicity. South Asian, Chinese, and Japanese populations use 90 cm for men.
Frequently Asked Questions
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is the circumference of your waist divided by the circumference of your hips. It is used to assess how fat is distributed on your body. Excess fat stored around the abdomen (high WHR) is associated with significantly greater health risks than fat stored on the hips and thighs.
According to WHO standards, a healthy WHR is below 0.90 for men and below 0.80 for women. Values between 0.90–0.99 (men) or 0.80–0.85 (women) indicate moderate risk. A WHR at or above 1.0 (men) or 0.86 (women) indicates high health risk and is associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Waist: measure at the narrowest point of the torso, typically halfway between the bottom rib and the top of the hip bone (iliac crest). Breathe out naturally before measuring — do not suck in. Hips: measure at the widest point of the buttocks with feet together. Keep the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin. Take 2–3 measurements and use the average.
WHR and BMI measure different things. BMI uses weight and height to estimate overall body mass and may misclassify muscular individuals as overweight. WHR directly measures fat distribution and is considered a better predictor of cardiovascular disease and metabolic risk than BMI alone. Studies show WHR is a stronger predictor of heart attack risk regardless of BMI level. Ideally, use both metrics together for a fuller picture.
An apple-shaped body (android obesity) means excess fat is stored around the abdomen and waist — associated with higher WHR. A pear-shaped body (gynoid pattern) means fat is stored more on the hips, buttocks, and thighs — associated with lower WHR. Apple-shaped fat distribution carries significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes compared to pear-shaped distribution.
Yes. Aerobic exercise (150+ min/week) and a calorie-deficit diet are the most effective ways to reduce abdominal fat and lower WHR. Resistance training helps maintain muscle mass while losing fat. Reducing refined carbohydrates, sugar, and alcohol specifically targets visceral (belly) fat. Spot reduction (losing fat in one area) is not possible — overall fat loss gradually reduces the waist more than the hips, so WHR improves with consistent effort.
Related Calculators
Understanding Waist-to-Hip Ratio
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple yet powerful tool for assessing cardiovascular and metabolic health risk. Unlike BMI, which measures total body weight relative to height, WHR specifically quantifies how fat is distributed across your body. Abdominal or visceral fat — fat stored around the organs in the torso — is metabolically active and releases inflammatory compounds linked to insulin resistance, hypertension, and heart disease.
Why Fat Distribution Matters More Than Total Fat
Two people can have the same BMI but very different health risks depending on where their fat is stored. A person with most fat on the hips and thighs (pear shape, lower WHR) has considerably lower cardiovascular risk than someone with equivalent fat concentrated around the abdomen (apple shape, higher WHR). This is because subcutaneous fat on the hips and thighs is relatively inert, while visceral fat is directly linked to:
- Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels)
- Coronary artery disease and heart attack risk
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
How This Calculator Works
Simply divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference: WHR = Waist ÷ Hips. The calculator then applies WHO sex-specific thresholds to classify your result as low, moderate, or high risk. You can enter measurements in centimetres or inches — the ratio is dimensionless, so the result is identical either way.
Limitations
WHR is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It does not account for muscle mass, bone density, age-related changes in fat distribution, or ethnic differences in body composition. Use WHR alongside BMI, waist circumference, and ideally a clinical assessment for a complete picture of metabolic health.