Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Where Fat Sits Matters as Much as How Much
Two people with the same body weight can carry that weight very differently — one around the hips and thighs, the other around the abdomen. Waist-to-hip ratio was developed because abdominal ("apple-shaped") fat distribution carries a different health risk profile than hip-and-thigh ("pear-shaped") distribution, a distinction that total weight or even BMI can't capture on its own.
The Formula
Both measurements must use the same unit (centimeters or inches) — the ratio itself is unitless, so it doesn't matter which you choose as long as they match.
WHO Risk Thresholds
| Sex | Low risk | Moderate risk | High risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men | Below 0.90 | 0.90 – 0.99 | 1.0 and above |
| Women | Below 0.80 | 0.80 – 0.84 | 0.85 and above |
These thresholds are general population screening reference points, not individual diagnostic cutoffs.
Why This Ratio Gets Used
- Cardiovascular risk screening — abdominal fat is more metabolically active and more strongly associated with cardiovascular risk than fat carried elsewhere.
- Complementing BMI — two people with identical BMI can have very different WHR values, making it a useful second data point rather than a replacement.
- Tracking change during a fitness program — WHR can shift meaningfully even when total weight is relatively stable, reflecting a change in fat distribution.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your sex.
- Enter your waist measurement, taken at the narrowest point of your torso.
- Enter your hip measurement, taken at the widest point around your buttocks.
- Select Calculate to see your ratio and risk category.
Related Calculations
Pair this with the BMI Calculator for a fuller screening picture, or check Body Fat for a direct composition estimate.