Body Shape Calculator
Determine your body shape.
Input
Result
What is a Body Shape Calculator?
A Body Shape Calculator analyses your shoulder, bust, waist, and hip measurements to classify your silhouette into one of several standard categories such as hourglass, pear, apple, or rectangle. Knowing your body shape helps with clothing fit, fitness goal-setting, and understanding how your body stores fat.
How to calculate body shape manually (the formula)
Body shape is determined by comparing three key ratios:
1. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR): waist circumference ÷ hip circumference.
2. Shoulder-to-hip ratio: shoulder circumference ÷ hip circumference.
3. Waist-to-shoulder ratio: waist circumference ÷ shoulder circumference.
Hourglass shapes have similar shoulder and hip measurements with a noticeably narrower waist. Pear shapes have hips wider than shoulders. Apple shapes have shoulders wider than hips. Rectangle shapes have similar measurements throughout. Spoon shapes have hips significantly wider than the waist but a smaller upper body.
Example calculation
A woman with shoulders 96 cm, bust 91 cm, waist 68 cm, and hips 99 cm: WHR = 68 ÷ 99 ≈ 0.69 (well below 0.85), shoulder-to-hip = 96 ÷ 99 ≈ 0.97 (nearly equal), waist-to-shoulder = 68 ÷ 96 ≈ 0.71. This combination classifies as hourglass.
Common mistakes
- Measuring at the wrong place — Measure your waist at its narrowest point (usually above the navel) and your hips at their widest point (across the buttocks).
- Pulling the tape too tight — The tape should sit snugly against the skin without compressing it. A too-tight measurement distorts the result.
- Comparing to the wrong standard — Women’s and men’s body shape classifications use different reference ranges due to natural anatomical differences.
Frequently asked questions
What measurements do I need for body shape?
You need your shoulder, bust, waist, and hip measurements. The calculator uses these ratios to classify your silhouette.
What are the main body shape categories?
The main categories are hourglass, pear (triangle), apple (inverted triangle), rectangle, and spoon. Each is defined by the relative proportions of shoulders, waist, and hips.
How is body shape determined?
Your body shape is determined by comparing your shoulder, bust, waist, and hip circumferences. The ratio between your waist and hips (WHR) and the relationship between shoulders and hips define the category.
Can my body shape change over time?
Yes, body shape can change with weight loss or gain, pregnancy, menopause, and strength training. It is not a fixed trait.
Which body shape is healthiest?
No single shape is inherently healthier, but carrying excess fat around the waist (apple shape) is associated with higher cardiovascular risk compared to hip-based fat distribution.
Is this calculator accurate?
The calculator gives an objective classification based on your measurements. For best results, measure yourself carefully with a flexible tape measure.