Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
This is an online waist to hip ratio calculator that helps you find the ratio of the circumference of the waist to that of the hips. It also explains how the figure can be interpreted.
Why measure waist-hip ratio?
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a measurement that helps you determine if you’re overweight and if you are facing any health risks associated with excess weight. Unlike your body mass index (BMI), which calculates the ratio of your weight to your height, WHR measures the ratio of your waist circumference to your hip circumference. It determines how much fat is stored on your waist, hips, and buttocks.
Not all excess weight is the same when it comes to your health risks. People with an apple-shaped body (i.e. with more weight around their midsection) have a higher risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature death than those with a pear-shaped body (ie. .with more of their weight in their hips and thighs). Even if your BMI is within a normal range, your risk for disease may be increased.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy WHR is:
- 0.9 or less in men
- 0.85 or less for women
In both men and women, a WHR of 1.0 or higher increases the risk for heart disease and other conditions that are linked to being overweight.
How to measure waist and hips?
How to measure waist?
- Prepare a tape measure.
- Start at the top of your hip bone, then bring the tape measure all the way around your body, level with your belly button.
- Make sure that it’s straight and even in the back. Don’t pull too tight and don’t hold your breath while measuring.
- Check the number on the tape measure right after you exhale.
How to measure hip?
Measure the distance around the largest part of your hips, which is the widest part of your buttocks. That is your hip circumference.
Waist to Hip Ratio formula
The waist-hip ratio is calculated by dividing the circumference of waist by hip:
Waist to Hip Ratio = Waist circumference / Hip circumference
Waist to Hip Ratio – An example
- Example 1: Let say a person with a 76 cm waist and 93 cm hips, he has a waist–hip ratio of 0.82.
- Example 2: Let say a person with a 27 in waist and 31 in hips, he has a waist–hip ratio of 0.87.
Waist-to-hip ratio chart
| Health risk | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 0.80 or lower | 0.95 or lower |
| Moderate | 0.81 – 0.85 | 0.96 – 1.0 |
| High | 0.86 or higher | 1.0 or higher |
| Legal Notices and Disclaimer
All information contained in and produced by Tabular is provided for information purposes only. This information should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or disease. |