Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Divides waist circumference by hip circumference to produce a simple index of abdominal fat distribution and cardiovascular risk. Used during health screenings to identify individuals at elevated risk for diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.
About this calculator
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a measure of body fat distribution that captures the degree of central (abdominal) obesity, which is more metabolically harmful than peripheral fat stored in the hips and thighs. The formula is: WHR = Waist Circumference (cm) ÷ Hip Circumference (cm). Central adiposity is linked to visceral fat accumulation around internal organs, which drives insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and inflammation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a WHR above 0.90 for men and above 0.85 for women indicates abdominal obesity and substantially increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk. WHR is often considered more predictive of cardiovascular events than BMI alone because it reflects fat location, not just total body fat. It is quick to measure with a tape and requires no special equipment.
How to use
Suppose a woman has a waist circumference of 80 cm and a hip circumference of 95 cm. Apply the formula: WHR = 80 ÷ 95 = 0.84. The WHO threshold for women is 0.85, so this result falls just below the high-risk cutoff, indicating moderate risk. Now consider a man with a waist of 100 cm and hips of 105 cm: WHR = 100 ÷ 105 = 0.95. Since 0.95 exceeds the male threshold of 0.90, this indicates abdominal obesity and increased cardiometabolic risk. Enter your measurements to get your ratio instantly.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio for men and women?
According to the World Health Organization, a healthy WHR is below 0.90 for men and below 0.85 for women. Ratios at or above these thresholds indicate abdominal obesity and substantially elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Some research suggests even lower thresholds—below 0.80 for women—as the optimal target. These cut-offs can vary slightly by ethnicity, as some Asian populations show elevated metabolic risk at lower absolute values.
How does waist-to-hip ratio compare to BMI for predicting heart disease risk?
WHR and BMI measure different aspects of body composition. BMI reflects overall body mass relative to height but cannot distinguish between fat and muscle or identify where fat is stored. WHR specifically captures abdominal fat distribution, which is more strongly associated with visceral adiposity and cardiometabolic risk. Several large studies, including INTERHEART, found WHR to be a stronger predictor of myocardial infarction risk than BMI across multiple ethnicities. Using both measures together gives a more complete picture of metabolic health than either alone.
How should you measure waist and hip circumference accurately for the WHR calculation?
Waist circumference should be measured at the midpoint between the lower rib and the top of the iliac crest (hip bone), typically at the level of the navel, after a normal exhale, with the tape snug but not compressing the skin. Hip circumference is measured at the widest point of the buttocks, usually around the greater trochanters. Stand upright with feet together and measure with a flexible tape. Taking two measurements and averaging them improves accuracy. Incorrect placement—particularly measuring the waist at its narrowest point—will underestimate the ratio and give a falsely favorable result.