Health & Body Composition
Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Your waist-to-hip ratio shows where your body stores fat, and abdominal fat is the kind most strongly linked to heart disease and diabetes.
Waist-to-hip ratio compares waist circumference to hip circumference to estimate fat distribution. WHO cut-offs for elevated cardiometabolic risk are 0.90 or above for men and 0.85 or above for women. Results are screening estimates, not diagnoses — confirm with a clinician before acting on them.
WHO cut-offs: 0.90 men, 0.85 women.
Measures fat distribution, not amount.
Higher ratio = higher cardiometabolic risk.
Calculate Your Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Your Waist-to-Hip Ratio
What Is Waist-to-Hip Ratio?
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) compares the circumference of your waist with your hips. It estimates fat distribution, whether fat is stored around the abdomen (apple shape) or hips and thighs (pear shape).
Abdominal fat is more metabolically active and more strongly linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. The World Health Organization sets cut-offs at 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women.
How It Is Calculated
WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference (same units)
Example: Example: waist 88 cm, hip 100 cm → WHR 0.88 (elevated for women, near cut-off for men)
WHO waist-to-hip ratio cut-offs
| Risk level | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Substantially increased risk | ≥ 0.90 | ≥ 0.85 |
| Moderate risk | 0.80–0.89 | 0.75–0.84 |
| Lower risk | < 0.80 | < 0.75 |
Limitations
- Measure waist at its narrowest point and hips at their widest, standing relaxed.
- WHR says nothing about total body fat, combine with BMI or body fat percentage.
- Pregnancy changes both measurements; WHR isn't meaningful during pregnancy.
- Ethnic variation exists; some guidelines use slightly different cut-offs.
Sources & Review
References used for this calculator’s formulas and thresholds:
Waist-to-Hip Ratio FAQ
What is a good waist-to-hip ratio?
Below 0.90 for men and below 0.85 for women indicates lower-risk fat distribution according to WHO cut-offs.
Why does waist-to-hip ratio matter more than BMI?
WHR captures where fat is stored. Abdominal fat is more strongly linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes than total weight alone.
How do I measure my hips correctly?
Stand with feet together and wrap the tape around the widest part of the hips and buttocks, keeping the tape horizontal.
Can I improve my waist-to-hip ratio?
Yes, losing overall body fat, regular cardio, and strength training tend to reduce abdominal fat and lower the ratio over time.
Important disclaimer: Results are educational estimates, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Discuss your numbers with a clinician before acting on them.