HEALTH · WAIST-TO-HIP RATIO
Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio and see your WHO metabolic risk category. Supports metric and imperial measurements.
About This Calculator
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) divides your waist circumference by your hip circumference. The World Health Organization uses it to classify metabolic health risk because abdominal fat (a high waist relative to hips) is more closely linked to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes than hip or thigh fat.
How It Works
Measure your waist at its narrowest point (usually just above the navel) and your hip at its widest point (around the widest part of the buttocks). Enter both measurements and your biological sex. The calculator divides waist by hip and places the result in the WHO risk category for your sex.
The Formula
WHR = waist circumference / hip circumference
- waist
- circumference at narrowest point, in cm or inches
- hip
- circumference at widest point, in cm or inches
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where exactly do I measure my waist?
- Measure at the narrowest point of your torso, usually just above the belly button. Breathe out normally before measuring and keep the tape parallel to the floor.
- Why does biological sex affect the risk bands?
- The WHO risk thresholds differ by sex because men and women distribute abdominal fat differently. Using the correct sex-specific threshold gives a more accurate risk classification.
- How does WHR compare to BMI?
- WHR specifically captures the distribution of fat — abdominal versus hip/thigh — which BMI does not. Research shows WHR is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk in some populations. The two measures are complementary.