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Waist-to-hip ratio calculator
Where you carry fat matters. Belly fat raises the risk of heart disease and diabetes, even when your BMI is normal.
Learn more
What is waist-to-hip ratio?
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is your waist size divided by your hip size. A higher ratio means more fat around your belly, which is linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
WHR = waist ÷ hip
Risk levels
| Risk | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Below 0.80 | Below 0.90 |
| Moderate | 0.80 to 0.85 | 0.90 to 1.00 |
| High | Above 0.85 | Above 1.00 |
The WHO marks a ratio above 0.85 for women and 0.90 for men as substantially increased risk. For Asians, a waist of 80 cm or more for women and 90 cm or more for men is also a warning sign on its own.
How to measure
- Waist: stand straight, breathe out normally, and measure midway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone (the WHO method). If that's hard to find, measuring at the navel gives a similar result for most people.
- Hips: measure around the widest part of your buttocks.
- Keep the tape level and snug, not tight.
Limitations
Please keep these in mind before acting on your result:
- Guidelines measure the waist in slightly different places. We follow the WHO method; measuring elsewhere can change your ratio.
- The WHO ratio cut-offs come mostly from studies in European populations. Asian-specific ratio cut-offs aren't well established, so we also show the Asian waist size cut-offs.
- It's a risk marker, not a diagnosis. Your blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and family history matter too.
- It isn't meant for use during pregnancy.
Common questions
What is a good waist-to-hip ratio?
Below 0.80 for women and below 0.90 for men is considered low risk.
Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?
They measure different things. WHR shows where fat sits, which predicts heart risk well. Using both gives a better picture than either alone.
What waist size is too big for Filipinos?
Using Asian cut-offs, a waist of 80 cm (about 31.5 inches) or more for women and 90 cm (about 35.5 inches) or more for men raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
What tests should I get if my ratio is high?
A lipid profile, fasting blood sugar and HbA1c show your cholesterol and sugar. A cardiology consult can review your heart risk.
References
- World Health Organization. Waist circumference and waist–hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation, Geneva, 8–11 December 2008. Geneva: WHO; 2011. Link
- Alberti KGMM, Zimmet P, Shaw J. The metabolic syndrome: a new worldwide definition (IDF consensus). Med J Aust. 2005;183(4):175–176. Link
- WHO Expert Consultation. Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies. Lancet. 2004;363(9403):157–163. Link
This tool doesn't diagnose any condition and isn't meant for pregnancy. If something worries you, talk to a doctor.