Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Measure body fat distribution and see your cardiovascular risk category.
Runs entirely in your browser. Your measurements are never uploaded.
How to use this tool
Measure your waist at the narrowest point, usually just above the belly button, and measure your hips at the widest point around the buttocks. Keep the tape snug but not tight. Enter both numbers in centimeters, pick your sex, and select Calculate to get your waist to hip ratio and its health category.
The formula
The ratio is a simple way to estimate body fat distribution. A higher ratio means more fat is carried around the abdomen, which research links to a greater risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes than fat carried around the hips and thighs.
WHO risk categories
The World Health Organization uses these thresholds. For men, below 0.90 is low risk, 0.90 to 0.99 is moderate, and 1.0 or above is high. For women, below 0.80 is low risk, 0.80 to 0.84 is moderate, and 0.85 or above is high.
A real example
A woman with an 84 cm waist and 98 cm hips has a ratio of 84 divided by 98, which is 0.86. That places her in the high risk category for her sex, suggesting she carries more weight around the middle than is ideal.
Common questions
Is waist to hip ratio better than BMI?
They measure different things. BMI looks at overall weight for height, while waist to hip ratio focuses on where fat is stored. Many clinicians look at both together for a fuller picture.
Does the unit of measurement matter?
No. Because the ratio divides one measurement by another, the units cancel out. You can use centimeters or inches as long as both numbers use the same unit.
Where exactly should I measure?
Measure the waist at its narrowest point and the hips at their widest. Stand relaxed, breathe out gently, and keep the tape level all the way around.
Is this a medical diagnosis?
No. This calculator is for general education only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional.