Waist-Hip Ratio Calculator

Enter your waist and hip measurements to calculate your waist-hip ratio (WHR). Assess your abdominal obesity and cardiovascular health risk. Free online WHR calculator for health.

Gender

Measure at navel height

Measure at the widest part of hips

How to Use

  1. Measure waist

    Enter your waist circumference at the narrowest point in centimeters.

  2. Measure hips

    Enter your hip circumference at the widest point in centimeters.

  3. View results

    See your WHR value and health risk assessment.

What is WHR (Waist-to-Hip Ratio)?

WHR (Waist-to-Hip Ratio) is your waist circumference divided by your hip circumference. It is a body-fat distribution indicator that shows where fat accumulates on your body. At the same body weight, an 'apple shape' with fat concentrated around the belly carries a different health risk than a 'pear shape' with fat stored in the hips and thighs, and WHR captures that difference in a single number.

The WHO (World Health Organization) uses WHR as a proxy for abdominal obesity (visceral fat) to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Even when BMI, which only considers height and weight, is in the normal range, a high WHR can signal hidden risk, so it is best to look at both indicators together.

  • Uses: supplementary health-check metric, tracking body-shape changes, gauging the effectiveness of a diet

Formula

WHR divides waist circumference by hip circumference and rounds to two decimal places.

WHR = waist (cm) / hip (cm)

Example: for a waist of 85 cm and hips of 100 cm
WHR = 85 / 100 = 0.85

This value is compared against gender-specific thresholds. For a man, 0.85 is below 0.90 and counts as 'normal'; for a woman, it falls in the 0.85-0.89 range and is classified as 'overweight (increased risk)'. The same number is judged differently by gender. (Variables: waist = circumference at navel height, hip = circumference at the widest point.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)?
WHR (Waist-to-Hip Ratio) is your waist circumference divided by your hip circumference, used to assess abdominal obesity. The WHO uses it to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and similar conditions. It reflects body-fat distribution better than weight or BMI alone.
What are the WHO thresholds for WHR?
Under WHO criteria, a man's WHR is normal below 0.90, overweight (increased risk) at 0.90-0.99, and obese (substantial risk) at 1.00 or above. For women, below 0.85 is normal, 0.85-0.89 is overweight, and 0.90 or above is obese. Women are held to a stricter threshold.
What is the difference between WHR and BMI?
BMI assesses overall obesity from height and weight alone, whereas WHR shows where body fat is distributed (belly vs. hips). An 'apple-shaped' body with fat concentrated in the abdomen can have a normal BMI yet a high WHR, meaning a greater risk of metabolic disease. It is recommended to check both indicators together.
Where exactly do I measure my waist?
Measure at the narrowest part of the waist, between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the hip bone (usually at navel height). After breathing out gently, hold the tape parallel to the floor and snug against the skin without compressing it.
Where do I measure my hips?
Measure horizontally all the way around the widest, most prominent part of the buttocks. Stand with your feet together, and use the same tape measure you used for the waist to reduce error.
Why are the thresholds different for men and women?
Women tend to have wider pelvises and store fat in the hips and thighs, so the same WHR carries a different meaning for abdominal fat. That is why the WHO applies a lower (stricter) threshold of 0.85 to women and 0.90 to men. This calculator automatically applies the threshold for the gender you select.
What are the risks if my WHR is high?
A WHR above the threshold means a lot of visceral fat in the abdomen, which raises the risk of high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Visceral fat is metabolically more active than subcutaneous fat and releases inflammatory substances, so abdominal obesity is more dangerous even at the same body weight.
How can I lower my WHR?
The key is reducing waist circumference, i.e. abdominal fat. Cut back on refined carbohydrates and sugar, combine aerobic exercise with strength training, and lower cortisol through adequate sleep and stress management. Steady lifestyle improvement is more effective than drastic short-term change.
Updated 2026 — WHO standards

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