📏 Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Assess your health risk from body shape
Written by Albert Mateos · Founder & Editor
Last reviewed: May 2, 2026
How it works
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio and assess your cardiovascular disease risk. This simple measurement is a better predictor of health risks than BMI alone. Get your ratio with risk classification based on WHO guidelines for men and women.
How to Use This Calculator
- Measure your waist at the narrowest point (usually above the navel).
- Measure your hips at the widest point around the glutes.
- Enter both measurements in cm or inches.
- Select your biological sex to see your risk category.
Example
Inputs: Female, waist 76 cm, hips 100 cm
Result: WHR: 0.76 (Low health risk)
What it means: A WHR of 0.76 for a woman is in the healthy range — below 0.80 is associated with lower cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
Tips
- WHR predicts heart disease risk better than BMI for most adults.
- Men should aim for WHR below 0.90; women below 0.85.
- Take measurements at the same time of day, ideally in the morning.
- Don't pull the tape too tight — it should sit flat against the skin without compressing.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
- For men, a waist-to-hip ratio below 0.90 is considered low risk, while for women the threshold is below 0.80. Ratios above 1.0 for men and 0.85 for women indicate substantially increased health risks. The World Health Organization uses these cutoffs to assess risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Is waist-to-hip ratio more accurate than BMI?
- Waist-to-hip ratio is often considered a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than BMI because it accounts for where fat is stored, not just total body weight. People who carry excess fat around their midsection (apple shape) face higher health risks than those who carry it around their hips (pear shape). Using both measurements together gives a more complete picture of health risk.
- How do I measure my waist and hips correctly?
- Measure your waist at the narrowest point between your ribs and hip bones, typically just above the belly button. Measure your hips at the widest point around your buttocks. Use a flexible tape measure, keep it level and snug without compressing the skin, and take the measurement while standing and breathing normally.