Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Enter your waist and hip measurements to calculate your WHR and see your WHO health risk category.
Your Measurements
WHO Waist-to-Hip Ratio Categories
| Category | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | Below 0.90 | Below 0.80 |
| Moderate Risk | 0.90 - 0.99 | 0.80 - 0.84 |
| High Risk | 1.0 or above | 0.85 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-hip ratio is your waist circumference divided by your hip circumference. It is used as a simple measure of body fat distribution and is often considered a better predictor of cardiovascular and metabolic health risk than BMI alone, because it accounts for where fat is carried on the body.
Measure your waist at the narrowest point, usually just above the belly button, at the end of a normal breath out. Measure your hips at the widest part of your buttocks. Keep the tape measure snug but not tight, and take both measurements standing up in the same units (cm or inches).
According to World Health Organization guidance, a healthy WHR is below 0.90 for men and below 0.80 for women. A ratio at or above 1.0 for men or 0.85 for women is considered high risk and is linked to a greater likelihood of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.
An "apple" shape carries more fat around the waist and upper body, giving a higher WHR, and is linked to greater cardiometabolic risk. A "pear" shape carries more fat around the hips and thighs, giving a lower WHR, and is generally associated with lower risk. Waist-to-hip ratio is a simple way to identify which pattern applies to you.
WHR and BMI measure different things - BMI estimates overall body size relative to height, while WHR estimates fat distribution. Many researchers consider WHR (and waist circumference generally) a stronger indicator of cardiovascular risk than BMI, since it captures central/visceral fat, but using both together gives a fuller picture than either alone.