Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

What is Waist-to-Hip Ratio?

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is a simple measurement that compares the circumference of your waist to your hips. It is used to assess body fat distribution — specifically whether you carry more fat around your abdomen (apple shape) or around your hips and thighs (pear shape). WHR is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease risk.

How WHR is Calculated

WHR = Waist circumference ÷ Hip circumference. Measure your waist at the narrowest point (usually just above the navel) and your hips at the widest point around the buttocks. The ratio is a pure number — it does not use units. Our calculator handles both metric and imperial measurements.

WHO Risk Categories

For men: WHR below 0.90 = low risk, 0.90-0.99 = moderate risk, 1.0+ = high risk. For women: WHR below 0.80 = low risk, 0.80-0.85 = moderate risk, 0.85+ = high risk. These thresholds are based on World Health Organization guidelines linking WHR to cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk.

Apple vs Pear Body Shape

Apple shape (high WHR): Fat stored around the abdomen and organs (visceral fat) is metabolically active and increases risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Pear shape (low WHR): Fat stored around hips and thighs is subcutaneous and less metabolically harmful. WHR is a better predictor of health risk than BMI alone.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Chart — What Your Number Means

Women: Below 0.80 = low health risk (pear shape). 0.80-0.85 = moderate risk. Above 0.85 = high risk (apple shape). Men: Below 0.90 = low risk. 0.90-0.99 = moderate risk. Above 1.00 = high risk. These WHO thresholds correlate strongly with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome risk.

How to Measure Waist and Hips Correctly

Waist: Find the narrowest point of your torso, usually just above the belly button. Breathe out naturally and measure without sucking in. Hip: Find the widest point around your buttocks. Keep the tape horizontal and snug. Take 3 measurements and average them. Measure in the morning before eating for consistency.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio vs BMI — Which Is Better?

WHR is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than BMI because it captures fat distribution — specifically dangerous visceral fat around organs. A person can have a normal BMI but high WHR ("normal weight obesity"), indicating elevated health risk. For comprehensive assessment, use BMI, WHR, and body fat percentage together.