Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate waist-to-hip ratio.
Input
Result
What is a Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator?
A Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) Calculator divides your waist circumference by your hip circumference to produce a single number that indicates how your body fat is distributed. WHR is a widely used health screening tool because abdominal fat carries greater health risk than fat stored around the hips and thighs.
How to calculate WHR manually (the formula)
WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference
Measure your waist at its narrowest point (just above the navel) and your hips at their widest point (across the buttocks). Divide the waist number by the hip number using the same unit of measurement (both in cm or both in inches).
Example calculation
A woman with a waist of 74 cm and hips of 100 cm: WHR = 74 ÷ 100 = 0.74. This is below the 0.85 threshold and is considered a healthy ratio with lower cardiovascular risk.
Common mistakes
- Inconsistent measurement units — Always use the same unit (cm or inches) for both waist and hip. Mixing units produces a wrong ratio.
- Measuring the waist too low — The waist measurement should be taken at the narrowest part, not at the belly button level. Measuring too low inflates the number.
- Not exhaling before measuring — Sucking in or holding a breath affects the reading. Measure at the end of a normal exhalation for consistency.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
For women, a WHR below 0.85 is considered healthy. For men, below 0.90. Higher ratios indicate greater abdominal obesity risk.
How do I measure my waist correctly?
Measure your waist at its narrowest point, usually just above the navel. Keep the tape snug but not compressing the skin, and breathe out normally.
How do I measure my hips correctly?
Measure your hips at their widest point across the buttocks. Stand with feet together and keep the tape horizontal around your body.
Why does WHR matter more than waist alone?
WHR accounts for body frame size. A person with a 90 cm waist and wide hips may have lower health risk than someone with the same waist but narrow hips.
Can I lower my waist-to-hip ratio?
Yes, reducing waist circumference through diet and exercise lowers your WHR. Strength training for the hips and glutes can also widen that measurement, improving the ratio.
How is WHR different from BMI?
BMI measures body mass relative to height. Waist-to-hip ratio specifically measures fat distribution. You can have a normal BMI but an unhealthy WHR.