Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) from your waist and hip measurements and see how it compares to World Health Organization risk thresholds.
WHR Relative to the Reference Threshold
This bar is a visual reference showing your ratio against the WHO threshold — it is not a clinical risk scale.
WHO Waist-to-Hip Ratio Reference Thresholds
Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Our Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) Calculator works out the ratio between your waist and hip measurements and compares it to the World Health Organization’s risk thresholds. WHR is a simple, widely used indicator of how body fat is distributed, and it’s often used alongside BMI and body fat percentage as part of a broader picture of body composition.
What Is Waist-to-Hip Ratio?
Waist-to-hip ratio is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference. A higher ratio means you carry proportionally more fat around your waist relative to your hips, reflecting a greater degree of central (abdominal) fat distribution. The World Health Organization has published reference thresholds for WHR as an anthropometric measure used in research and public health assessment, alongside measures such as waist circumference and BMI, to help understand patterns of central body fat.
How to Measure Your Waist and Hips
- Waist: Measure midway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone (iliac crest), keeping the tape horizontal and snug but not tight. Measure after breathing out normally.
- Hips: Find the widest point around your buttocks and wrap the tape around this point, keeping it horizontal and parallel to the floor.
- Taking two or three measurements can help reduce measurement variation — use the average if your readings differ.
WHO Waist-to-Hip Ratio Thresholds
| Sex | WHR below threshold | WHR at/above threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Women | Below 0.85 | 0.85 or above |
| Men | Below 0.90 | 0.90 or above |
Source: World Health Organization. These thresholds are general population reference points, not a diagnosis of any individual’s health status.
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose your units – centimetres or inches.
- Select your sex – risk thresholds differ between men and women.
- Enter your waist circumference – measured midway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone.
- Enter your hip circumference – measured at the widest point.
- Click Calculate WHR to see your ratio and where it falls on the WHO scale.
WHR vs BMI vs Waist Circumference
BMI is based only on height and weight, so it can’t tell you how fat is distributed around your body. Waist circumference alone gives a useful absolute measure of central fat but doesn’t account for differences in frame size. WHR adjusts for frame size by comparing waist to hip measurements, which is why it’s often used alongside, rather than instead of, BMI and waist circumference when looking at overall health indicators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
According to the World Health Organization, a WHR below 0.85 for women and below 0.90 for men is generally associated with lower risk from central fat distribution in population studies. These are population-level reference thresholds rather than individual diagnostic cut-offs, so they should be considered alongside other health indicators.
How do I measure my waist and hips correctly?
Measure your waist midway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone (iliac crest), and your hips at the widest point around your buttocks. Keep the tape measure horizontal and snug but not tight, stand upright, and measure after breathing out normally. Taking two or three measurements can help reduce measurement variation.
Is waist-to-hip ratio more accurate than BMI?
WHR and BMI measure different things. BMI estimates overall body weight relative to height, while WHR estimates how fat is distributed around your body. Because they capture different information, many health professionals consider both measures together rather than relying on either one alone.
What does a high waist-to-hip ratio mean?
A WHR at or above the WHO threshold (0.90 for men, 0.85 for women) suggests proportionally more fat is stored around the abdomen. Research has linked higher central fat storage to increased risk of certain health conditions, but WHR alone does not diagnose any condition. If you have concerns about your health, speak to your GP.
Can I use this calculator if I’m pregnant or a competitive athlete?
WHR reference ranges are based on general adult populations and may not give a meaningful result during pregnancy or for people with very high muscle mass, such as some athletes, since both can increase waist or hip measurements for reasons unrelated to fat distribution. In these cases, WHR should be interpreted with caution or discussed with a healthcare professional.