By ToolzHive
About this tool
Your waist-to-hip ratio compares the size of your waist with the size of your hips. It shows where your body stores fat: people who carry more weight around the middle (an apple shape) have a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes than people who carry it on the hips (a pear shape). This calculator gives your ratio, risk level and the World Health Organization thresholds.
How to use Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
- Select your sex and your units.
- Measure your waist at its narrowest point, or at the navel, and your hips at their widest point, with the tape level.
- Read your ratio and risk level, and compare it with the table for men or women.
Worked example
A woman with an 85 cm waist and 98 cm hips has a ratio of 0.87, just above the WHO threshold of 0.85 for abdominal obesity, which suggests focusing on reducing waist size.
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
The WHO considers a ratio of 0.90 or more in men and 0.85 or more in women a sign of abdominal obesity. Many charts treat 0.95 or less for men and 0.80 or less for women as low risk.
Is WHR better than BMI?
Several large studies found waist-based measures predict heart disease risk better than BMI, because they capture belly fat. The best picture comes from looking at both.
How do I measure my waist correctly?
Stand relaxed, breathe out normally and measure around your waist at the level of your navel or at the narrowest point, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
Put this guide into practice
- Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator — Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio and see your health risk level.