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Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Enter your waist and hip circumference to calculate your waist-to-hip ratio and compare it with the World Health Organization thresholds for abdominal obesity, which differ for men and women.
What waist-to-hip ratio shows
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) compares the circumference of your waist with that of your hips: WHR = waist ÷ hip, both in the same unit. A higher number means more of your body fat is stored around the abdomen, giving an "apple" shape, while a lower number points toward a "pear" shape with more fat around the hips and thighs. Abdominal fat sits close to the liver and other organs and is more strongly linked with insulin resistance, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease than fat under the skin of the hips.
BMI cannot see this difference. Two people with the same BMI can have quite different WHR values and different risk profiles.
The WHO thresholds
The World Health Organization expert consultation on waist circumference and waist-hip ratio, published in 2011, uses the following cut-offs for abdominal obesity, and the WHO also describes a substantially increased risk of metabolic complications at these levels:
| Sex | Abdominal obesity at |
|---|---|
| Men | 0.90 or above |
| Women | 0.85 or above |
The thresholds are population guides. Several studies suggest that ethnic background and age affect the ratio at which risk begins, so a result close to the line in either direction means little by itself. If the result is high, the waist row above shows the waist size that would bring you to the threshold with your current hips.
How to measure
- Use a flexible, non-stretch tape and stand with feet together and weight evenly spread.
- Measure the waist at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone, after a normal breath out.
- Measure the hips at the widest point around the buttocks, with the tape level.
- Take each measurement twice. If they differ by more than a centimetre, take a third and use the closest pair.
Measure over thin clothing or bare skin. Thick clothing or a recent large meal inflates the numbers.
Limits and cautions
The ratio can change in ways that do not reflect risk. Losing fat from the hips raises the ratio, and gaining muscle in the glutes lowers it. It is not suitable for children, during pregnancy or in people with abdominal swelling, and it can be misleading in very short or very tall individuals. For a measure that scales with height, try the waist-to-height ratio calculator. Treat WHR as one clue among several, such as blood pressure, blood sugar and family history. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Worked example
A man measures a waist of 96 cm and hips of 100 cm.
Inputs
| Sex | Male |
|---|---|
| Units | Centimetres |
| Waist circumference | 96 |
| Hip circumference | 100 |
Result
At or above the WHO cut-off of 0.90 for men, linked with higher metabolic risk.
A high ratio is a screening signal and not a diagnosis. Consider discussing it with a doctor or nurse alongside blood pressure and blood tests.
| Waist-to-hip ratio | 0.960 |
|---|---|
| WHO threshold for men | 0.90 |
| Status | At or above the abdominal obesity threshold |
| Waist at the threshold for your hip | 90.0 cm |
| Difference | +6.0 cm |
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for education and general planning. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose any condition. If you are pregnant, under 18, have an eating-disorder history or a medical condition, speak to a doctor or registered dietitian before changing your diet or exercise.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
The WHO describes abdominal obesity at a ratio of 0.90 or higher for men and 0.85 or higher for women. Values below those thresholds are considered lower risk.
How do I measure my hips for the ratio?
Wrap a flexible tape around the widest part of the buttocks, keeping it level and snug without compressing the skin, and read it after a normal breath out.
Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?
It adds information about where fat is stored, which BMI cannot show. Some studies find it predicts heart disease risk better, but neither measure alone is a diagnosis.
Why are the thresholds different for men and women?
Women usually carry more fat on the hips and men more around the abdomen, so the typical ratio is lower for women. Thresholds are set separately so each is read against its own norm.
Can my WHR change if my weight stays the same?
Yes. A change in muscle, fat distribution, posture or measuring technique can move the ratio even when body weight does not.
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References and sources
- World Health Organization (2011). Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio: Report of a WHO Expert Consultation, Geneva, 8-11 December 2008. Link
- Yusuf S, et al. (2005). Obesity and the risk of myocardial infarction in 27,000 participants from 52 countries (INTERHEART). The Lancet 366(9497):1640-1649.