Health

Waist-to-Hip
Ratio

Measure waist and hips in the same unit, then see your ratio, risk band, and body-shape hint in one calm view.

womenmenmalecminchesbody shapebody fatNHS

Biological Sex

Unit

Your WHR

0.75

ratio
Balanced Shape
Low Risk
Women thresholds
0.550.800.851.20
Low
Moderate
High

Women: under 0.800.75 is a low-risk result for women.

Where to MeasureTape snug, level, relaxed
WH
Waist

Midway between bottom of ribs and top of hip bone.

Hips

Widest point around hips and buttocks.

Threshold Reference
  • Low
    under 0.80
  • Moderate
    0.80 to 0.85
  • High
    above 0.85

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How it works

Formulas, methodology & benchmarks

FAQ

Common questions about WHR

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Important Disclosure

WHR is a screening ratio, not a direct measure of body fat percentage or overall health. It does not account for muscle mass, bone structure, ethnicity-specific cutoff variations, pregnancy, or individual fitness level. Always consult a healthcare provider for a complete health assessment rather than relying on a single ratio.

About this calculator

Method, formulas, and limits.

What this does

Computes the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference using the same unit of measurement. Maps the result to sex-specific risk bands (low, moderate, high) with a visual gauge, threshold labels, and a body-shape indicator (balanced or apple) so you can interpret the number at a glance.

Who it is for

Health-conscious individuals tracking body composition, clinicians performing quick metabolic risk screening, and anyone following NHS-style guidance who wants to assess central fat distribution using a simple circumference ratio.

How it works

Select your biological sex and choose a unit (cm or inches). Enter your waist and hip measurements — the calculator divides waist by hip and instantly shows the ratio on a color-coded gauge. The risk band and body-shape hint update in real time based on established thresholds. A measure-points panel illustrates where to take each measurement.

Limitations

WHR is a screening ratio, not a direct measure of body fat percentage or overall health. It does not account for muscle mass, bone structure, ethnicity-specific cutoff variations, pregnancy, or individual fitness level. Always consult a healthcare provider for a complete health assessment rather than relying on a single ratio.

Key calculations

Waist-to-Hip Ratio
WHR = waist circumference / hip circumference. Both measurements must use the same unit (cm or in). The result is a dimensionless ratio typically between 0.6 and 1.2.
Women Thresholds
Low risk: WHR below 0.80. Moderate risk: 0.80–0.84. High risk: 0.85 and above. These cutoffs follow general population screening guidelines used by the NHS and WHO.
Men Thresholds
Low risk: WHR below 0.90. Moderate risk: 0.90–0.94. High risk: 0.95 and above. Men typically have higher healthy WHR ranges due to natural differences in fat distribution.
Body Shape Classification
Low risk ratios are labeled as balanced shape. Moderate and high risk ratios are labeled as apple shape, indicating more central fat distribution around the abdomen.

Reference ranges

Low Risk (Women)
WHR below 0.80. Associated with lower risk for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions. This is the balanced (pear) shape range.
Low Risk (Men)
WHR below 0.90. The healthy range for men, associated with lower central fat distribution and reduced health risks.
Moderate Risk
Women 0.80–0.84, Men 0.90–0.94. Indicates intermediate central fat distribution. Worth monitoring and discussing with a healthcare provider.
High Risk
Women 0.85+, Men 0.95+. Elevated central fat distribution. Associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

How to use it

  1. 1.Select your biological sexChoose Women or Men to apply the correct risk thresholds. The calculator uses different cutoff values for each group based on established screening guidelines.
  2. 2.Choose a measurement unitPick Centimeters or Inches. Both waist and hip measurements must use the same unit for the ratio to be valid.
  3. 3.Measure your waistWrap a tape measure around your waist at the narrowest point, typically midway between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hip bone. Keep the tape snug but not compressing the skin.
  4. 4.Measure your hipsMeasure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks. Keep the tape level and relaxed for an accurate circumference reading.
  5. 5.Read your resultsThe calculator instantly shows your ratio, risk band, body shape, and a color-coded gauge comparing your value to the population thresholds. Review the threshold labels below the gauge for context.
  6. 6.Refer to the measure-points guideUse the illustration panel that marks where to position the tape for waist and hip measurements. Correct placement is critical for a reliable WHR reading.

Waist-to-hip ratio is your waist circumference divided by your hip circumference, both measured in the same unit. It is a simple screening ratio that gives a rough idea of where body fat is distributed — not a direct measure of body fat percentage or total weight. It is widely used in clinical and public health settings because it requires only a tape measure and correlates with metabolic risk.

Measure your waist at its narrowest point, typically midway between your bottom rib and the top of your hip bone. If your waist does not have a natural narrow point, measure at belly-button level. For hips, measure around the widest part of your buttocks. Keep the tape snug but not tight, level all the way around, and relaxed against the skin for both measurements.

Yes, either unit works as long as both measurements use the same unit. The ratio is unitless — 72 cm ÷ 96 cm gives the same 0.75 ratio as 28.3 in ÷ 37.8 in. Switching units mid-calculation would produce a meaningless number, so the calculator keeps both inputs locked to your chosen unit.

Women and men naturally store fat differently due to hormonal and genetic factors. Women tend to store more fat around the hips and thighs (gynoid distribution), while men tend to store more around the abdomen (android distribution). For this reason the same WHR value means different things for each group, so the risk thresholds are calibrated separately.

Apple shape (higher WHR) means more fat is carried around the abdomen, which is associated with higher metabolic and cardiovascular risk. Pear shape or balanced shape (lower WHR) means more fat is carried around the hips and thighs. WHR hints at this pattern but does not define your body type entirely — it is one of several health indicators.

The NHS (UK National Health Service) uses waist-to-hip ratio as a simple screening tool for central obesity and related health risks, alongside body mass index and waist circumference. Many online searches reference the NHS because their guidelines are widely trusted. This page follows the same measurement approach and threshold standards.

No. WHR is not a body fat measurement at all — it only tells you how your waist compares to your hips in circumference. Two people with the same WHR can have very different total body fat percentages. If you need body fat data, use calipers, bioelectrical impedance, or DEXA scanning instead.

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