Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

Calculate waist-to-hip ratio and the cardiovascular risk band it falls in.

About Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

Waist-to-hip ratio is a simple, validated predictor of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality, often outperforming BMI in prospective studies. Fat stored in the abdomen (visceral fat) is metabolically active and secretes pro-inflammatory cytokines; fat stored in the hips and thighs is less metabolically harmful. The WHO uses sex-specific cutpoints because women naturally carry more hip fat at any given body weight.

Formula

Waist-to-hip ratio

WHR = Waist circumference ÷ Hip circumference

W_c: Waist circumference (any consistent unit)
H_c: Hip circumference (same unit)

Worked example

With the default values below, Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator returns Waist-to-Hip Ratio of 0.842. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Biological Sexone of Male, Female: Male
Unitsone of Centimetres, Inches: Centimetres
Waist Circumferenceaccepts 40–200 cm / in: 80 cm / in
Hip Circumferenceaccepts 50–250 cm / in: 95 cm / in

Results

Waist-to-Hip Ratio: 0.842
WHO Risk Band: Low risk
What this means: Below the moderate-risk threshold for men.
Absolute Waist Note

Step by step

1Waist-to-hip ratio= 0.842
2Risk classification= Low risk (male threshold)Below the moderate-risk threshold for men.

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 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.
WHR risk bands are based on WHO population-level guidelines and vary by ethnicity and age. This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical cardiovascular risk assessment. Consult your doctor if you have concerns about your metabolic health.
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.

Guides that use this calculator

BMI Limitations: What It Misses and What to Measure InsteadWhy BMI misclassifies athletes and older adults, how ethnicity shifts the thresholds, and which body measurements predict health risk better.4 min

WHR risk bands are based on WHO population-level guidelines and vary by ethnicity and age. This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical cardiovascular risk assessment. Consult your doctor if you have concerns about your metabolic health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WHR better than BMI for predicting health risk?

Several large cohort studies (including the INTERHEART study across 52 countries) found that WHR predicted myocardial infarction risk more strongly than BMI. WHR captures the distribution of fat, not just its amount. That said, both measures have their limitations and are best used together.

How should I measure correctly?

Waist: stand relaxed (not sucking in), measure at the midpoint between the bottom rib and the iliac crest, after a normal exhale. Hips: measure the maximum circumference around the buttocks. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug but not compressing the skin.

Can I reduce my WHR through exercise?

Yes. Aerobic exercise is particularly effective at reducing visceral fat, which reduces waist circumference. Resistance training also helps, partly through increasing metabolic rate. Dietary changes (especially reducing refined carbohydrates and alcohol) help reduce visceral fat independently of exercise.