What is a good waist-to-hip ratio?

For men, a healthy WHR is 0.9 or less. For women, 0.85 or less is considered healthy. Lower ratios indicate less abdominal fat and lower health risks.

How do you calculate waist-to-hip ratio?

Divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference. Measure waist at the narrowest point and hips at the widest point. Our waist-to-hip ratio calculator does this automatically.

Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?

WHR is often more accurate than BMI alone for assessing health risks because it measures fat distribution. Combining BMI and waist-to-hip ratio gives the most complete picture.

What is the difference between WHR and waist-to-height ratio?

WHR compares waist to hips, while waist-to-height ratio compares waist circumference to height. Both assess abdominal obesity but WHR better indicates fat distribution patterns.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

Assess your health risk by measuring body fat distribution

Waist (inches)

Hip (inches)

Gender

Include BMI calculation

How to Measure Correctly

Waist: Measure at the narrowest point (usually just above belly button)
Hip: Measure at the widest part of your buttocks
Measure against bare skin, not over clothing
Keep tape parallel to the floor
Don't pull tape too tight - just snug

Your Health Assessment

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR): 0.00

Health Risk Category: -

Interpretation

Your waist-to-hip ratio provides insight into your body fat distribution and associated health risks.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Health Risk Chart

Gender	Low Risk	Moderate Risk	High Risk
Male	0.95 or lower	0.96-1.0	1.0+
Female	0.80 or lower	0.81-0.85	0.85+

Understanding Waist-to-Hip Ratio

What WHR Measures

WHR assesses fat distribution by comparing waist circumference (abdominal fat) to hip circumference. It's a better predictor of health risks than weight alone.

Why WHR Matters

Abdominal fat (measured by waist) is more dangerous than fat stored elsewhere. Higher WHR correlates with increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Body Shape Types

Apple Shape

High WHR (fat around waist). Higher health risks even at normal weight.

Pear Shape

Lower WHR (fat around hips/thighs). Generally lower health risks.

Hourglass

Balanced WHR with defined waist. Considered ideal for women.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio: A Key Health Indicator

Your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple but powerful measurement that reveals important information about your health risks. Unlike BMI which only considers height and weight, WHR shows how your body fat is distributed - a critical factor in metabolic health.

How WHR Complements BMI

While BMI and waist-to-hip ratio both assess health risks, they measure different things:

BMI estimates total body fat based on height and weight
WHR shows where fat is located (abdominal vs. peripheral)
Combining BMI and WHR calculator results gives the most complete picture

Health Risks Associated with High WHR

Research shows elevated WHR increases risk for:

Cardiovascular disease

2-3x higher risk of heart attack with high WHR

Type 2 Diabetes

Abdominal fat strongly linked to insulin resistance

Certain Cancers

Breast, colon, and endometrial cancer risks increase

Mortality

Higher WHR correlates with earlier mortality

Improving Your WHR

To lower your waist-to-hip ratio:

Focus on abdominal exercises and full-body strength training
Reduce refined carbs and sugars that promote belly fat
Manage stress (cortisol increases abdominal fat storage)
Get quality sleep (poor sleep disrupts fat metabolism)

Additional Health Measurement Tools

For comprehensive health assessment, consider these resources:

CDC Healthy Weight Tools - Official health measurement guidelines
NIH BMI Calculator - Authoritative BMI tool
American Heart Association - BMI and cardiovascular health
Mayo Clinic WHR Guide - Medical perspective on WHR
WebMD Body Fat Calculator - Additional health metrics
Harvard Health - Importance of waist measurement
Medical News Today - WHR research and analysis
Healthline - How to measure and interpret WHR
NHS BMI Calculator - UK health service tool

Disclaimer

This waist-to-hip ratio calculator provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Results may vary based on ethnicity, age, and other factors. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making health decisions. Pregnant women and children should not use standard WHR measurements.