Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

The Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator computes the proportion of your waist circumference relative to your hip circumference. This ratio is a reliable indicator of abdominal obesity and is used by health professionals to assess the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Unlike BMI, waist-to-hip ratio directly reflects where fat is stored on your body, which matters greatly for health outcomes.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Measure your waist at the narrowest point, typically just above the navel, while relaxed.
2. Measure your hips at the widest point around the buttocks.
3. Enter both measurements in centimeters or inches.
4. Select your sex for accurate risk category interpretation.
5. Click Calculate to get your ratio and risk level.

What This Calculator Measures

This calculator measures your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and assigns a cardiovascular risk category.

• Waist circumference: Reflects visceral (abdominal) fat storage.
• Hip circumference: Reflects gluteofemoral fat, which is less metabolically harmful.
• WHR: Waist ÷ Hip — the key output number.
• Risk category: Low, Moderate, High, or Very High based on WHO thresholds.

Formula or Logic

WHR = Waist circumference ÷ Hip circumference. Both measurements must use the same unit. WHO risk thresholds: for men, Low < 0.90, High ≥ 0.90; for women, Low < 0.80, High ≥ 0.80. Values above 1.0 for men and 0.85 for women indicate substantially elevated risk.

Example Calculations

Example 1: A man with a 90 cm waist and 100 cm hips: WHR = 90 ÷ 100 = 0.90 → High risk threshold for males.

Example 2: A woman with a 72 cm waist and 96 cm hips: WHR = 72 ÷ 96 = 0.75 → Low risk category.

Understanding Your Results

A lower WHR indicates more fat stored in the hips and thighs (pear shape), which is associated with lower metabolic risk. A higher WHR indicates abdominal (apple-shaped) fat distribution, which raises cardiovascular and metabolic risk even in people with a normal BMI.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Measuring the waist at the wrong location — always measure at the narrowest point, not the belt line.
• Holding your breath or pulling in your stomach during measurement.
• Using WHR as the sole health measure without considering BMI, blood pressure, or lifestyle factors.
• Comparing results across sexes — thresholds differ significantly between men and women.