About the Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
This waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) calculator divides your waist circumference by your hip circumference and places the result on the widely used risk chart for men and women. WHR describes where you carry fat: a higher ratio means more fat stored around the abdomen, which is linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes more strongly than weight alone.
Use it alongside BMI if you are muscular, have a large frame, or simply want a second view of body shape that a bathroom scale cannot give you. Because it is a ratio, it works the same in centimetres or inches — just use the same unit for both measurements.
Measure your waist at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone after breathing out normally, and your hips around the widest part of the buttocks. The calculator also shows the waist size that would bring you into the low-risk band for your current hip measurement.
With the default inputs, the waist-to-hip ratio is 0.9. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the waist-to-hip ratio calculator
- 1Select your sex, since the risk thresholds differ for men and women.
- 2Choose centimetres or inches and use the same unit for both measurements.
- 3Measure your waist midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone after breathing out.
- 4Measure your hips around the widest part of your buttocks.
- 5Read your ratio, risk band and the waist size that would put you in the low-risk range.
Formula and method
The ratio is simply your waist measurement divided by your hip measurement, taken in the same unit. The result is unitless, so centimetres and inches give identical answers.
Risk bands follow the widely used chart: for men, 0.95 or below is low risk, 0.96–1.00 moderate and above 1.00 high; for women, 0.80 or below is low, 0.81–0.85 moderate and above 0.85 high. The World Health Organization defines abdominal obesity as a WHR of 0.90 or more in men and 0.85 or more in women. The low-risk waist size is your hip measurement multiplied by the low-risk limit for your sex.
- WHR
- Waist-to-hip ratio
- waist
- Waist circumference at the midpoint between lowest rib and hip bone
- hip
- Hip circumference at the widest part of the buttocks
Worked examples
Man with a 90 cm waist and 100 cm hips
Dividing 90 by 100 gives a WHR of 0.90. That is within the male low-risk band (0.95 or below), although it sits exactly at the WHO abdominal-obesity cut-off of 0.90, so it is worth keeping an eye on.
Woman with a 34 in waist and 38 in hips
34 ÷ 38 = 0.89, which is above the female high-risk threshold of 0.85. With 38-inch hips, a waist of 30.4 inches (38 × 0.80) would give a low-risk ratio, a reduction of 3.6 inches.
Man with a 104 cm waist and 102 cm hips
104 ÷ 102 = 1.02, above the male high-risk threshold of 1.00. Reaching the low-risk limit of 0.95 would mean a waist of about 96.9 cm, roughly 7 cm smaller.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?+
For men a ratio of 0.95 or below is generally considered low risk, and for women 0.80 or below. The WHO uses 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women as the point at which abdominal obesity, and higher metabolic risk, begins.
Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?+
It measures something different. BMI only compares weight to height, while WHR shows where fat is stored. Studies have found abdominal fat measures such as WHR predict heart attack risk at least as well as BMI, so using both gives a fuller picture.
How do I measure my waist and hips correctly?+
Stand relaxed, feet together. Measure your waist midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone after breathing out normally, and your hips around the widest part of the buttocks. Keep the tape snug but not compressing the skin.
Why are the thresholds different for men and women?+
Women naturally carry more fat on the hips and thighs, which raises the hip measurement and lowers the ratio. Men tend to store fat around the abdomen, so the male cut-offs are set higher to reflect typical body shape.
Can I lower my waist-to-hip ratio?+
Yes. Abdominal fat usually responds to overall fat loss through a calorie deficit, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and limiting alcohol. You cannot spot-reduce, but waist size often falls noticeably as total body fat drops.
This tool gives general estimates and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or qualified professional about your health, diet or training.