The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) compares the circumference of your waist to that of your hips. It's a simple indicator of how body fat is distributed — carrying more around the waist ("apple" shape) is linked to higher health risk than carrying it around the hips ("pear" shape). The formula is:
WHR = waist measurement ÷ hip measurement
Measure your waist at the narrowest point (usually just above the navel) and your hips at the widest point, keeping the tape snug but not compressing the skin. Units don't matter as long as both use the same — the ratio is the same in cm or inches.
| Sex | Low risk | Moderate risk | High risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women | Below 0.80 | 0.80 – 0.84 | 0.85 and above |
| Men | Below 0.90 | 0.90 – 0.94 | 0.95 and above |
Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. For example, a 32-inch waist and 40-inch hips gives 32 ÷ 40 = 0.80. The calculator above does this for you in cm or inches.
For women, a WHR below 0.80 is considered low risk; for men, below 0.90. Ratios of 0.85+ (women) or 0.95+ (men) indicate higher health risk.
They measure different things. BMI reflects overall weight relative to height, while WHR reflects fat distribution. Used together they give a fuller picture — WHR can flag abdominal fat that BMI alone misses.
Measure your waist at its narrowest point (typically just above the belly button) and your hips at their widest point around the buttocks. Stand relaxed and keep the tape level.