Where your body stores fat, in one ratio.
Enter your waist and hip measurements and see your waist-to-hip ratio instantly, along with your WHO health risk category, how far you are from the next threshold, and what your fat distribution pattern means.
Your measurements
Measure around your natural waistline (inches).
Measure around the widest part of your hips (inches).
Biological sex for risk category thresholds.
The formula is WHR = waist / hip. Any unit works as long as both measurements use the same one. Results update as you type.
What your ratio means
Where you sit on the WHR scale
WHO thresholds at your hip size
WHO risk categories by sex
The World Health Organization uses different thresholds for men and women. The highlighted row is your current category.
| Sex | Risk category | WHR range |
|---|
Waist-to-hip ratio, explained
What Is Waist-to-Hip Ratio?
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference. It measures how body fat is distributed, whether it is concentrated around the abdomen ("apple" shape) or around the hips and thighs ("pear" shape). Abdominal fat is associated with higher health risks than fat stored in the hips and thighs.
Health Risk Categories
The World Health Organization defines health risk thresholds based on WHR. For men, a WHR below 0.90 is low risk, 0.90-1.00 is moderate risk, and above 1.00 is high risk. For women, below 0.80 is low risk, 0.80-0.85 is moderate risk, and above 0.85 is high risk. These thresholds reflect the increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk associated with abdominal fat.
Common questions
How do I measure my waist and hip correctly?
Measure your waist at the narrowest point, usually at or just above the belly button. Measure your hips at the widest point around the buttocks. Use a flexible tape measure, keep it snug but not tight, and measure on bare skin or over thin clothing. Stand relaxed and do not suck in your stomach.
Is WHR better than BMI?
WHR and BMI measure different things. BMI assesses overall weight relative to height but does not distinguish fat from muscle or fat distribution. WHR specifically measures fat distribution, which is a better predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. Using both together gives a more complete health picture.
Can I improve my waist-to-hip ratio?
Yes. Reducing abdominal fat through a combination of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and a balanced diet can lower your WHR. Spot reduction is a myth, you cannot target belly fat specifically, but overall fat loss tends to reduce waist circumference. Stress management also helps since cortisol promotes abdominal fat storage.
Waist-to-hip ratio is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Measurement technique, body shape and individual factors all affect the result, and no single number can capture your health. Do not use it to make medical decisions on your own: talk to a doctor or another qualified health professional about what your result means for you, especially before starting any diet, exercise program or weight-related treatment.