Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Enter your waist measurement and height to calculate your WHtR and see your health risk category.
Your Measurements
Waist-to-Height Ratio Categories
| Category | WHtR |
|---|---|
| Healthy | Below 0.50 |
| Increased Risk | 0.50 - 0.59 |
| High Risk | 0.60 or above |
Measuring Tips
- Measure directly against skin or light clothing, not over bulky clothes.
- Stand up straight and breathe out normally before measuring.
- Keep the tape measure horizontal and snug, not compressing the skin.
- Take two measurements and use the average for accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Waist-to-height ratio is your waist circumference divided by your height, measured in the same units. It is a simple screening tool for central (abdominal) obesity and is increasingly used alongside, or instead of, BMI because it accounts for where fat is carried rather than just overall body size.
A widely used public health rule of thumb is to keep your waist circumference below half your height, giving a WHtR below 0.5. A ratio of 0.5-0.6 is generally considered increased risk, and above 0.6 is considered high risk of weight-related health problems, though exact thresholds vary slightly between guidelines.
Measure your waist at the narrowest point, usually just above your belly button, or midway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone. Keep the tape measure snug but not tight, and measure at the end of a normal breath out while standing.
Several studies suggest WHtR can be a better predictor of cardiovascular and metabolic risk than BMI, because two people with the same BMI can carry very different amounts of abdominal fat. WHtR and BMI measure different things, so using both together, alongside advice from a healthcare professional, gives a fuller picture than relying on either alone.
The "keep your waist to less than half your height" rule is commonly cited for both adults and children, but growth patterns in children vary a lot with age, so paediatric growth charts and a doctor's assessment are more appropriate for tracking a child's healthy development.