Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Where you carry weight matters. Measure your waist and hips to get your waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio, two simple indicators of abdominal fat and related health risk.
Waist-to-hip ratio
How to measure your waist and hips
- Waist: stand relaxed and measure at the midpoint between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone, after breathing out normally.
- Hips: measure around the widest part of your buttocks.
- Keep the tape snug and level all the way around, without compressing the skin.
What your ratios mean
The World Health Organization considers a waist-to-hip ratio above 0.90 for men or above 0.85 for women a marker of substantially increased risk of metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These cut-offs reflect abdominal fat, which is more strongly linked to health risk than fat elsewhere.
Waist-to-height ratio is even simpler: keep your waist under half your height. A ratio below 0.5 is generally considered healthy for adults of all heights; 0.5–0.6 suggests increased risk and above 0.6 high risk.
These are screening indicators, not diagnoses, and they are less reliable in pregnancy, for children and for some ethnic groups. This calculator gives general estimates for information only and is not medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
At or below 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women, by WHO criteria.
Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?
It adds information about fat distribution that BMI misses; many experts suggest using both.
What is waist-to-height ratio?
Waist divided by height; under 0.5 is the common healthy target.
Where exactly should I measure my waist?
Midway between the bottom rib and the top of the hip bone, after a normal exhale.