Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Waist-to-hip ratio compares waist and hip measurements to show where your body stores fat, which is linked to health risk.
How to use the waist-to-hip ratio calculator
Enter your waist and hip measurements. The ratio appears instantly — compare it with the table below for your sex.
Waist-to-hip ratio formula
WHR = waist ÷ hip
Worked example
Waist 85 cm, hips 95 cm: WHR = 85 ÷ 95 = 0.895. For a man this is just under the WHO threshold of 0.90; for a woman it would be above 0.85.
WHO thresholds
| Low risk | Increased risk | |
|---|---|---|
| Men | ≤ 0.90 | > 0.90 |
| Women | ≤ 0.85 | > 0.85 |
Source: World Health Organization, Waist circumference and waist–hip ratio (2008).
Waist-to-hip ratio table
| Waist ↓ / Hips → | 90 cm | 95 cm | 100 cm | 105 cm | 110 cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 cm | 0.78 | 0.74 | 0.70 | 0.67 | 0.64 |
| 75 cm | 0.83 | 0.79 | 0.75 | 0.71 | 0.68 |
| 80 cm | 0.89 | 0.84 | 0.80 | 0.76 | 0.73 |
| 85 cm | 0.94 | 0.89 | 0.85 | 0.81 | 0.77 |
| 90 cm | 1.00 | 0.95 | 0.90 | 0.86 | 0.82 |
| 95 cm | 1.06 | 1.00 | 0.95 | 0.90 | 0.86 |
| 100 cm | 1.11 | 1.05 | 1.00 | 0.95 | 0.91 |
Above 0.90 for men or 0.85 for women indicates substantially increased risk, according to the WHO.
Waist size alone
The WHO also gives waist circumference thresholds:
| Increased risk | Substantially increased risk | |
|---|---|---|
| Men (European) | above 94 cm | above 102 cm |
| Women (European) | above 80 cm | above 88 cm |
| Men (South Asian) | above 90 cm | — |
| Women (South Asian) | above 80 cm | — |
Ethnic-specific thresholds come from the International Diabetes Federation.
Which measure is best?
| Measure | Strength |
|---|---|
| BMI | Simple, widely used, but ignores fat distribution |
| Waist circumference | Easy, captures abdominal fat |
| Waist-to-hip ratio | Shows body shape (apple vs pear) |
| Waist-to-height ratio | Works across heights, sexes and ethnic groups |
Using two of these together gives a better picture than any one alone.
How to measure
- Waist: midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone, after a normal breath out.
- Hips: around the widest part of the buttocks.
- Stand relaxed with feet together; keep the tape snug but not compressing the skin.
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
The WHO links higher health risk to a ratio above 0.90 for men and above 0.85 for women.
What do "apple" and "pear" shapes mean?
Apple-shaped bodies carry more fat around the waist (higher WHR); pear-shaped bodies carry more on the hips. Fat around the waist is more strongly linked to heart disease.
How do I measure my hips?
Around the widest part of your buttocks, keeping the tape level.
Is a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.8 good?
Yes for women (below 0.85) and well within the healthy range for men (below 0.90).
Can the ratio be healthy if both waist and hips are large?
Yes, which is why waist size on its own and BMI are also worth checking.