Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Enter your waist and hip measurements to calculate your WHR and assess cardiovascular health risk.
WHR Health Risk Categories (WHO)
| Category | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | < 0.75 | < 0.85 |
| Good | 0.75 – 0.80 | 0.85 – 0.90 |
| Average | 0.80 – 0.85 | 0.90 – 0.95 |
| High Risk | > 0.85 | > 0.95 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does waist-to-hip ratio measure?
WHR measures the distribution of body fat. A higher ratio indicates more fat stored in the abdominal area ('apple-shaped' body), which is associated with higher cardiovascular disease risk, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. A lower ratio indicates fat distributed in the hips and thighs ('pear-shaped'), which carries lower cardiovascular risk.
Is WHR better than BMI for health risk assessment?
Research suggests WHR is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than BMI for many people. BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle, or between fat stored in the abdomen (visceral fat) vs. elsewhere. The WHO and many clinical guidelines now recommend WHR alongside BMI for a more complete picture of metabolic health.
Where exactly should I measure my waist and hips?
Waist: measure at the narrowest point between your lower rib and the top of your hip bone, typically just above the navel. Don't suck in your stomach. Hips: measure at the widest point around your buttocks. Use a flexible measuring tape held snugly (not tight) and parallel to the floor. Measure twice and take the average.
What WHR is considered healthy?
WHO guidelines: for women, a WHR at or below 0.80 is 'low risk'; 0.81–0.85 is 'moderate risk'; above 0.85 is 'high risk'. For men: at or below 0.90 is 'low risk'; 0.91–0.95 is 'moderate risk'; above 0.95 is 'high risk'. This calculator uses these thresholds.
Can I reduce my waist-to-hip ratio?
Yes. Regular aerobic exercise and resistance training reduce visceral fat (abdominal fat) more effectively than dieting alone. Abdominal fat is metabolically active and responds well to exercise. A 2017 meta-analysis found that aerobic exercise reduced WHR even without significant weight loss in some participants.