How to use the waist-to-hip ratio calculator
Measure your waist at the narrowest point of your torso — roughly at belly-button level, between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hip bones. Measure your hips around the widest part of your buttocks. Enter both, pick your sex, and your ratio and risk category appear instantly.
Tap Go advanced to see a WHO waist-circumference check using the waist measurement you already entered, plus an optional waist-to-height ratio check if you add your height — a second widely used screening measure, since keeping your waist under half your height is a common general guideline.
How waist-to-hip ratio is calculated
For example, a waist of 30 in and hips of 38 in gives a WHR of 30 ÷ 38 = 0.79. The ratio is unitless — it works the same whether you measure in inches or centimeters, as long as both measurements use the same unit.
What your ratio means
| Risk | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 0.80 or below | 0.95 or below |
| Moderate | 0.81 – 0.85 | 0.96 – 1.00 |
| High | 0.86 or above | 1.00 or above |
These bands, based on World Health Organization guidance, reflect abdominal ("apple-shaped") fat carrying more health risk than fat stored on the hips and thighs ("pear-shaped") — even at the same body weight. A higher ratio means more weight is concentrated around your middle, closer to organs like the liver and pancreas.
Why waist-to-hip ratio matters
Carrying weight around the abdomen is linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke than carrying the same weight on the hips and thighs. Some research has found WHR to be a stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk and mortality than BMI alone, particularly in older adults, because it captures where fat sits rather than just how much of it there is.
WHR vs. BMI vs. waist circumference alone
Each measurement tells you something different. BMI estimates overall weight relative to height but can't tell muscle from fat or say where fat is stored. Waist circumference alone is a simple, direct measure of abdominal size — the World Health Organization also flags increased risk above roughly 35 in (88 cm) for women and 40 in (102 cm) for men, which is what the advanced cross-check in this calculator checks. WHR adds context by comparing that waist size to your hip size, showing your body's fat distribution shape rather than just its size. Doctors typically use these measures together, alongside BMI, for the fullest picture — this calculator isn't a diagnosis, so check with a doctor if your results concern you.
Related tools
If you don't yet know your BMI or body fat percentage, check those first — combining all three gives a much fuller picture than any one number alone. If you're focused on a healthy weight range for your height, the Ideal Weight Calculator and Lean Body Mass Calculator pair well with your WHR result.
Common questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
For women, a WHR of 0.80 or below is generally considered low risk, 0.81-0.85 moderate risk, and 0.86 or above higher risk. For men, the cutoffs are higher: 0.95 or below is low risk, 0.96-1.00 moderate risk, and above 1.00 higher risk. These bands come from World Health Organization guidance and are a commonly used framework, not a diagnosis.
How do I measure my waist and hips correctly?
Measure your waist at the midpoint between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hip bone (roughly at your belly button), using a snug but not tight tape, after breathing out normally. Measure your hips at the widest part of your buttocks, with the tape level all the way around. Take each measurement twice and average them for accuracy.
Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?
They measure different things. BMI estimates overall weight relative to height but says nothing about where fat is stored. WHR shows fat distribution, and abdominal ("apple-shaped") fat carries a higher health risk than fat stored on the hips and thighs ("pear-shaped") at the same BMI. Doctors typically use both together, plus waist circumference alone, for a fuller picture.
What does an apple vs. pear body shape mean?
These are informal, non-medical labels for where your ratio falls. A lower WHR (more weight on the hips and thighs) is often called "pear-shaped." A higher WHR (more weight around the waist) is often called "apple-shaped." Apple-shaped fat distribution is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes because it sits closer to internal organs.
Can I improve my waist-to-hip ratio?
Yes — WHR responds to the same things that reduce abdominal fat generally: a modest calorie deficit, regular aerobic and strength exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management. There's no way to "spot reduce" fat from just the waist, but overall fat loss tends to reduce waist circumference proportionally more than hip circumference for most people.