Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) from the same measurements. The result also shows the waist measurement equal to half your height.
Adult screening information only. These ratios do not diagnose a condition or directly measure body fat. Do not use the interpretation during pregnancy, for anyone under 18, with an eating disorder or suspected eating disorder, or when a growth condition affects height.
Formulas
WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference
WHtR = waist circumference ÷ height
All measurements must use the same unit. Ratios have no unit. Switching between centimetres and inches does not change either ratio because the conversion factor cancels.
The World Health Organization expert report discusses waist-to-hip ratio measurement, sex, age and ethnicity differences, and public-health cut points. This page offers its adult reference values of 0.85 for women and 0.90 for men only when selected. The NHS advises keeping waist size below half of height, corresponding to WHtR below 0.50. Neither comparison is a diagnosis.
How to measure
- Use a flexible, non-stretch tape over light clothing or bare skin.
- For the waist, use a defined anatomical point and the same point each time. The WHO protocol uses the midpoint between the lowest palpable rib and the top of the hip bone.
- For the hips, place the tape around the widest part of the buttocks.
- Keep the tape horizontal and snug without compressing the skin. Record after a normal exhale.
Different organizations may specify a different waist site. For tracking, consistency is essential; for clinical use, follow the exact protocol requested by the clinician or study.
Checked examples
| Measurements | WHR | WHtR | Half-height comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 cm waist, 100 cm hip, 170 cm height | 0.800 | 0.471 | 85 cm line; waist is 5 cm below |
| 35 in waist, 40 in hip, 68 in height | 0.875 | 0.515 | 34 in line; waist is 1 in above |
| 95 cm waist, 105 cm hip, 175 cm height | 0.905 | 0.543 | 87.5 cm line; waist is 7.5 cm above |
Limits and interpretation
- WHR and WHtR describe body proportions; they do not distinguish visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, muscle, bone, fluid or body composition.
- Measurement site, tape angle, breathing, clothing and abdominal tension can change the result. Small differences should not be overinterpreted.
- Risk varies with age, ancestry, health conditions and the protocol used. A number above or below a reference line does not confirm or exclude disease.
- The NHS waist-to-height tool excludes pregnancy, eating disorders, growth disorders, children under 5 and adults with BMI above 35; it advises parent or carer involvement for ages 5–17. This page therefore limits its interpretation to adults outside those exclusions.
- Discuss concerns about body measurements, weight change or metabolic health with a qualified health professional.
Primary sources
- World Health Organization: Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio — report of an expert consultation.
- NHS: Calculate your waist to height ratio.
Related calculators: BMI Calculator, Body Fat Calculator, Calorie Calculator and Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator.
Questions
Do centimetres and inches give the same ratio?
Yes. Use one unit consistently for all measurements. The unit cancels when one circumference is divided by another.
Is waist-to-hip ratio the same as waist-to-height ratio?
No. WHR compares waist with hip circumference and describes body shape. WHtR compares waist with stature and uses the half-height reference. This calculator shows them separately.
Can I use this during pregnancy?
No. Pregnancy changes waist circumference, so these adult reference comparisons are not appropriate. Use prenatal guidance rather than this calculator.