Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is your waist measurement divided by your hip measurement (W ÷ H), and it is a simple indicator of body fat distribution and health risk. This calculator works out your WHR and tells you which body shape and risk category you fall into; a ratio above the normal factor usually points to health risks.
Information about the calculations provided by the Waist-to-hip ratio calculator
Where is the waist-to-hip ratio calculator used?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the waist-to-hip ratio is a frequently used calculation that determines whether a person having the parameters provided may be regarded as obese or not.
How is the waist-to-hip ratio calculator works?
We use a simple division: the waist measurement is divided by the hip measurement. The result is the waist-to-hip ratio. Measurements can be recorded in either centimeter (cm) or inches (in) without affecting the ratio.
For example, if a person’s waist circumference is 82 cm (32.3 in) and their hip circumference is 95 cm (37.4 in) then their WHR ratio is:
82 ÷ 95 = 0.86 (32.3 ÷ 37,4 = 0.86)
Where shall I measure the circumference of my waist and my hip?
There are two options:
1. If you have a normal body shape, measure your waist at the narrowest point and your hip at the widest point.
2. In the case of obese persons, the waist must be measured 2.5 cm above the navel and the hip must be measured at the buttock part of the thigh bone.
How shall I interpret the ratio that I get?
In the case of men, the ratio of 0.9 is an acceptable result. It means a normal body shape, healthy waist-to-hip ratio, and, as a result, lower health risks.
The optimal result for women is 0.8.
If results are higher, it can be categorized as apple-type obesity; and the associated typical health risks are heart attack, diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Waist-to-hip Ratio Chart
| Health risk | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| low | 0.80 or lower | 0.95 or lower |
| moderate | 0.81-0.85 | 0.96-1.0 |
| high | 0.86 or higher | 1.0 or higher |
What is considered to be a beautiful waist-to-hip ratio:
Women with a ratio of 0.7 are considered to be the most attractive – at least in Indo-European cultures. In China, the attractive ratio is 0.6, while in Africa and South America a ratio of 0.8 or 0.9 is preferred.
How reliable are the deductions made from the waist-to-hip ratio calculator?
Numerous studies were carried out about the waist-to-hip ratio which confirmed the probable health risks. Some opinions say that the waist-to-hip ratio should only be regarded as an index for obesity – similarly to the very widespread BMI-index. Needless to say, an online test does not replace a well-grounded diagnosis. So in case of any obesity or health problem visit an expert or a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my waist-to-hip ratio?
Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement, using the same unit for both. A 80 cm waist and 100 cm hips give a WHR of 0.8.
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
For women a WHR of 0.80 or below is considered low risk, and for men 0.95 or below. Higher ratios indicate more abdominal fat and greater health risk.
Where do I measure my waist and hips?
Measure your waist at the narrowest point, usually just above the navel, and your hips at the widest part of your buttocks, keeping the tape level.
Is WHR better than BMI?
WHR reflects where fat is stored, which BMI ignores. Many studies link a high WHR to heart disease risk, so the two measures complement each other.
Why does waist-to-hip ratio matter?
Fat carried around the waist is more strongly linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes than fat on the hips, so a higher WHR signals higher risk.