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Health & Body
Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator — WHR & WHO Risk Category
A quick body-shape number that flags where you carry fat — using a tape measure and inches
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is one of the simplest body-shape numbers you can measure at home, and the World Health Organization treats it as a quick screen for where you carry fat. Unlike BMI, which only looks at weight and height, WHR tells you whether your weight sits around your middle (an "apple" shape) or around your hips and thighs (a "pear" shape). Carrying extra inches at the waist is linked to higher health risk, which is why this one ratio gets so much attention.
The formula is as easy as it gets: WHR = waist ÷ hip. Measure both in the same unit — this calculator uses inches — and divide. Because it's a ratio, the unit cancels out, so you'd get the same number in centimeters.
Worked example: A man with a 36-inch waist and a 40-inch hip has WHR = 36 ÷ 40 = 0.90. By the WHO bands that's the top of the low-risk range for men. A woman with a 30-inch waist and 40-inch hip has WHR = 30 ÷ 40 = 0.75, which is comfortably in the low-risk range for women.
The WHO risk bands differ by sex. For men: 0.90 or below is low risk, 0.91–0.99 is moderate, and 1.0 or above is high. For women: 0.80 or below is low, 0.81–0.84 is moderate, and 0.85 or above is high.
Where to measure: wrap the tape around your natural waist — the narrowest point, usually just above the belly button — and around the widest part of your hips and buttocks. Keep the tape snug but not digging in, breathe out normally, and don't suck in your stomach.
The most common mistake is measuring the waist at the belt line or at the belly button when that isn't your narrowest point — measuring too low inflates the waist number and pushes your ratio up. Using different units for the two measurements (inches for one, centimeters for the other) is the other classic error.
This calculator is informational only and not medical advice. WHR is a screening estimate, not a diagnosis. Talk with a healthcare provider about your individual health.
📖 See also: How Much Water Should You Drink a Day?
Calculator
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📰 Formula
• WHR = waist (in) ÷ hip (in) • Men: ≤0.90 low · 0.91–0.99 moderate · ≥1.0 high • Women: ≤0.80 low · 0.81–0.84 moderate · ≥0.85 high • The ratio is unitless, so inches or cm give the same number
📰 Formula
• WHR = waist (in) ÷ hip (in) • Men: ≤0.90 low · 0.91–0.99 moderate · ≥1.0 high • Women: ≤0.80 low · 0.81–0.84 moderate · ≥0.85 high • The ratio is unitless, so inches or cm give the same number
🧪 Worked examples
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Example 4
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Measuring the waist at the belt line or belly button instead of the narrowest point.
- Using different units for waist and hip (e.g., inches for one, cm for the other).
- Pulling the tape too tight or sucking in the stomach, which lowers the waist reading.
- Reading the men's bands for a woman, or vice versa — the cutoffs differ by sex.
💡 Tips
- Measure first thing in the morning, after exhaling normally, for a consistent reading.
- Keep the tape level and parallel to the floor all the way around your body.
- Pair WHR with BMI and waist circumference for a fuller picture than any one number alone.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my waist-to-hip ratio?
Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement in the same unit. A 32-inch waist and 40-inch hip = 32 ÷ 40 = 0.80.
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
By the WHO, low risk is 0.90 or below for men and 0.80 or below for women. Higher ratios are linked to greater health risk.
Where exactly do I measure my waist and hips?
Measure your waist at its narrowest point, usually just above the belly button, and your hips at the widest part of your buttocks. Keep the tape snug and level.
Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?
They measure different things. BMI uses weight and height; WHR shows where you carry fat. Many providers look at both for a fuller picture, since waist fat carries extra risk.
Why are the men's and women's cutoffs different?
Men and women store fat differently, so the WHO sets separate risk bands. Women naturally carry more weight around the hips, which lowers their healthy ratio threshold.
Do I need to measure in centimeters?
No. WHR is a ratio, so the units cancel out. As long as you use the same unit for both measurements, inches give the exact same number as centimeters.
Can my waist-to-hip ratio be over 1.0?
Yes. If your waist is larger than your hips, the ratio exceeds 1.0. For men that falls in the high-risk band; it is uncommon but possible for women too.
How often should I measure my WHR?
Once every few weeks is plenty for tracking trends. Measure at the same time of day, ideally in the morning, for consistent results.
Is this calculator medical advice?
No. It is an informational screening estimate, not a diagnosis. Talk with a healthcare provider about your individual health and any concerns.