Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
This waist to hip ratio calculator divides your waist measurement by your hip measurement to estimate how your body fat is distributed. Enter two numbers and your WHR appears instantly, with a risk category, a body shape reading, and a separate waist risk check. It is built for anyone tracking abdominal fat or comparing their ratio against World Health Organization (WHO) reference values.
Unlike BMI, which only looks at weight relative to height, WHR shows where fat sits. Fat carried around the abdomen (an apple shape) carries higher health risk than fat carried around the hips and thighs (a pear shape), so WHR is often used alongside BMI for a fuller picture of cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
How to Calculate Your Waist to Hip Ratio
Select your gender
Choose Male or Female. WHO risk thresholds differ between men and women, so this changes the categories, gauge colors, and body shape cutoff.
Choose your unit
Use the cm / in toggle to switch between metric and imperial. Placeholders and input limits update automatically to match.
Enter waist and hip
Type your Waist Circumference (narrowest point, usually at the navel) and Hip Circumference (widest point of the buttocks). Tap the info icon beside each field for a measuring tip.
Read your results
Your WHR, risk category, color-coded gauge, body shape, and waist risk update live as you type. Use the reference table to see the exact thresholds for men and women.
Features
Gender-Specific Thresholds
Risk categories, gauge colors, and the body shape cutoff adjust automatically for men or women, following WHO classification.
Visual Risk Gauge
A color-coded bar — green, amber, red — shows where your ratio falls, with a marker and a gradient that shifts to match your gender's thresholds.
Body Shape Classification
See whether your fat distribution reads as an Apple shape (around the abdomen) or a Pear shape (around the hips and thighs).
Waist Circumference Risk
An independent WHO check rates your waist alone as Normal, Increased, or Substantially Increased — useful even when your WHR looks healthy.
Metric and Imperial Units
Switch between centimeters and inches with one click; placeholders and input ranges follow the unit you pick.
Live Calculation
Results recalculate instantly as you type or change a setting — no submit button and no page reload.
Built-In Measuring Tips
Tap the info icon next to each input to reveal where and how to measure your waist and hips correctly.
WHO Reference Table
A built-in table lays out the low, moderate, and high ratio ranges for both men and women at a glance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy waist to hip ratio?
Under WHO guidelines, a low-risk WHR is below 0.90 for men and below 0.80 for women. Ratios above those values move you into moderate and then high risk, which is linked to higher rates of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
How do I measure my waist and hips?
Use a flexible tape measure over bare skin or thin clothing. Measure the waist at its narrowest point, usually around the navel, and the hips at the widest point of the buttocks. Stand upright, keep the tape snug but not compressing the skin, and take each reading at the end of a normal exhale.
What does a waist to hip ratio of 0.7 mean?
A WHR of 0.7 sits in the low-risk range for both men and women, since it is below the 0.90 and 0.80 cutoffs. It reflects a pear-shaped fat distribution, with relatively more around the hips than the waist, which is generally associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
Why are the thresholds different for men and women?
Hormonal differences mean women tend to store more fat around the hips and thighs (pear shape), while men store more around the abdomen (apple shape). WHO sets separate cutoffs so the risk assessment stays accurate for each. This calculator switches thresholds automatically when you select your gender.
Is WHR better than BMI for health risk?
They measure different things. BMI estimates overall body fat from weight and height, while WHR captures fat distribution. Many studies find WHR a better predictor of cardiovascular risk because abdominal fat is more metabolically active. For the fullest picture, look at both together.
What is the difference between Apple and Pear body shapes?
Apple shape means fat is concentrated around the midsection, which is linked to higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Pear shape means fat sits mainly around the hips, thighs, and buttocks, which generally carries lower cardiovascular risk.
Can my waist to hip ratio change over time?
Yes. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and adequate sleep can reduce abdominal fat and lower your WHR over time. If you are actively managing your weight, measuring once a month is enough to track changes; every 3 to 6 months is fine for general monitoring.
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