Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and see your health risk level.
How is Waist to Hip Ratio Calculated?
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a quick measure of body fat distribution. It is simply your waist circumference divided by your hip circumference: WHR = waist / hip. A higher ratio means more fat is carried around the waist (an "apple" shape), which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes compared with fat carried around the hips ("pear" shape).
Example
For a woman with a 70 cm waist and 100 cm hips, WHR = 70 / 100 = 0.70, which is in the low-risk range. For a man with a 92 cm waist and 95 cm hips, WHR = 92 / 95 ≈ 0.97, which is in the moderate-risk range.
Common Use Cases
- Assessing body fat distribution as part of routine health screening.
- Tracking progress during weight-loss or fitness programs.
- Complementing BMI, which does not account for where fat is stored.
FAQs
What is the ideal waist-to-hip ratio?
Generally, a ratio below 0.80 for women and below 0.90 for men is considered low risk. Ratios above 0.85 for women and 0.99 for men are associated with higher cardiometabolic risk.
Is WHR better than BMI?
WHR and BMI measure different things. BMI estimates overall body fat relative to height, while WHR describes where fat is distributed. A normal BMI does not rule out excess abdominal fat, so the two are best used together.