Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) to assess cardiovascular and metabolic health risks based on fat distribution patterns.
Measure at the narrowest point (typically around the navel)
Measure at the widest point around the buttocks
WHR Risk Categories (WHO)
| Risk Level | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | ≤ 0.90 | ≤ 0.80 |
| Moderate Risk | 0.91 – 1.00 | 0.81 – 0.85 |
| High Risk | > 1.00 | > 0.85 |
Formula
📏 How to Measure Correctly
- Waist: Stand relaxed, find your natural waist (narrowest point between ribs and hips), or measure at navel level
- Hip: Stand with feet together, measure at the widest point around the buttocks
- Keep tape measure snug but not compressing the skin
- Measure after exhaling normally
- Use consistent technique for tracking changes
Frequently Asked Questions
WHR assesses fat distribution—specifically, how much fat is stored around your waist (abdomen) versus your hips. Central (abdominal) fat is associated with higher health risks than peripheral fat.
Abdominal fat (visceral fat) surrounds internal organs and is metabolically active, releasing compounds linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation. WHR helps identify this risk.
Apple shapes carry more fat around the midsection (higher WHR), while pear shapes carry more on hips and thighs (lower WHR). Apple shapes generally face higher metabolic health risks.
They measure different things. BMI assesses overall weight relative to height, while WHR assesses fat distribution. Using both provides a more complete picture of health risk.