Body Fat Distribution Calculator

Work out body fat distribution instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Body Fat Distribution Calculator

Where fat is stored matters as much as how much there is. The waist to hip ratio distinguishes central android distribution from peripheral gynoid distribution, with WHO thresholds of 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women. An 88 cm waist with 100 cm hips gives 0.88 - above the male threshold and associated with raised cardiometabolic risk.

Formulas

Waist to hip ratio

WHR = waist circumference / hip circumference

WHO thresholds

0.90 for men, 0.85 for women

Worked example

With the default values below, Body Fat Distribution Calculator returns Waist To Hip Ratio of 0.880. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Waist circumferenceminimum 30 cm: 88 cm
Hip circumferenceminimum 30 cm: 100 cm
Sexone of Male, Female: Male

Results

Waist To Hip Ratio: 0.880
Fat Distribution Pattern: Gynoid (pear) - fat carried on hips and thighs
Risk Interpretation: Lower risk distribution
Hip Minus Waist: 12.0 cm

Step by step

1Values used
2Waist to hip ratio
3WHO thresholds
4Waist To Hip Ratio= 0.880
5Fat Distribution Pattern= Gynoid (pear) - fat carried on hips and thighs
6Risk Interpretation= Lower risk distribution
7Hip Minus Waist= 12.0 cm

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 3 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
These figures are population-average estimates, not a medical assessment or diagnosis. Body composition equations carry errors of several percentage points, and healthy ranges vary with age, ethnicity, muscularity and medical history. Discuss weight or body composition goals with a qualified clinician or dietitian.
This is an estimate for general information and not professional medical advice. See the full disclaimer for the limits that apply to this kind of calculator.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

These figures are population-average estimates, not a medical assessment or diagnosis. Body composition equations carry errors of several percentage points, and healthy ranges vary with age, ethnicity, muscularity and medical history. Discuss weight or body composition goals with a qualified clinician or dietitian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is central fat worse?

Visceral fat around the organs is metabolically active, releasing free fatty acids and inflammatory signals straight into the portal circulation.

Where should the hip be measured?

At the widest point of the buttocks, with the tape level all the way round and the feet together.