Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple calculation that compares the circumference of your waist to the circumference of your hips. It is one of the most clinically useful measures of abdominal obesity and cardiovascular health risk. Unlike BMI, which treats all body mass equally regardless of where it is located, WHR specifically captures the distribution of fat between the midsection and the hips. Fat stored around the abdominal organs (visceral fat) is far more metabolically harmful than fat stored in the hips, buttocks, and thighs. The World Health Organization uses WHR as a standard screening tool for cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk, with sex-specific thresholds for low, moderate, and high risk. People with an apple-shaped body profile (fat concentrated in the abdomen) typically have higher WHR and higher health risk than those with a pear-shaped profile (fat in hips and thighs). Enter your waist and hip measurements in centimetres and select your sex to see your ratio and risk category.
WHO risk thresholds
| Risk level | Male WHR | Female WHR |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Less than 0.90 | Less than 0.80 |
| Moderate | 0.90 to 0.95 | 0.80 to 0.85 |
| High | Greater than 0.95 | Greater than 0.85 |
Formula
WHR = Waist circumference (cm) / Hip circumference (cm)
Male risk: Low (< 0.90), Moderate (0.90-0.95), High (> 0.95)
Female risk: Low (< 0.80), Moderate (0.80-0.85), High (> 0.85)
Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator: frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
According to the World Health Organization, a healthy WHR is below 0.90 for men and below 0.80 for women. Values above 0.95 (men) or 0.85 (women) indicate high risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic complications. Values in between are considered moderate risk.
Why does WHR matter for health?
Waist-to-hip ratio is a measure of central adiposity, the accumulation of fat around the abdominal organs (visceral fat). Visceral fat is metabolically active and strongly associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, independent of overall body weight or BMI.
Where do I measure my waist for WHR?
The WHO recommends measuring the waist at the midpoint between the lower edge of the last palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest (hip bone). In practice this is roughly level with the navel for most adults. The tape should be horizontal and the measurement taken at the end of a gentle exhale.
Where do I measure my hips for WHR?
Hip circumference is measured at the widest point of the buttocks. Stand with feet together, hold the tape horizontally, and take the measurement at the maximum circumference of the hips and buttocks. Do not pull the tape tight.
Is WHR better than BMI for assessing health risk?
Research suggests WHR is a better predictor of cardiovascular mortality than BMI because it captures fat distribution rather than just total mass. A 2011 WHO report found WHR and waist circumference outperformed BMI in predicting cardiovascular outcomes. Many clinicians now use both measures together.
Official sources
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.