About the Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
This calculator computes your waist to hip ratio (WHR) from three inputs: sex, waist and hip measurements. You use either the narrowest waist or the navel, and the widest hips. The tool shows your WHR, the WHO health risk band, and the WHO cut-off for your sex. Results update instantly as you type; there is no calculate button. The tool runs in your browser only, so nothing is uploaded. You can copy your result and create a share link that reopens with your numbers. The method follows the WHO expert consultation (2008), and the page reminds you to measure on bare skin with a relaxed belly after breathing out. This page gives an estimate only and is not medical advice.
How to use it
- 1Choose your sex: Male or Female.
- 2Enter your waist measurement at the narrowest point or at the navel.
- 3Enter your hip measurement at the widest point of the buttocks.
- 4Read the WHR, the WHO health risk band, and the WHO sex-specific cut-off shown instantly.
- 5Copy the result or share the link that reopens with your numbers.
Worked example
Sex: Male; Waist: 94 cm; Hips: 100 cm. WHR = 94 ÷ 100 = 0.94. Health risk: WHO flags men 0.90 or more as substantially increased risk. WHO cut-off shown: 0.90.
The formula
Waist to hip ratio = waist / hip circumference (same unit)Source: World Health Organization, Waist circumference and waist, hip ratio (2011 report)WHO PDF, Report of the expert consultation (Geneva 2008). Last checked 5 November 2026.
What it is good for
- Instant WHR result as you type, no calculate button.
- Runs in your browser only; nothing is uploaded.
- Shows WHO sex-specific cut-off and a simple health risk band.
- This is an estimate only and not medical advice.
- Cut-offs may differ by ethnicity; not validated for children or pregnancy.
Questions people ask
What does the waist to hip ratio measure?
WHR is waist divided by hip circumference. It shows where you store fat, which affects cardiometabolic risk differently from BMI.
How should I measure my waist and hips?
Measure waist at the narrowest point or midpoint between the last palpable rib and iliac crest, at the end of a normal exhalation. Measure hips at the widest buttock point. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and not compressing skin.
What WHR indicates increased health risk?
WHO uses 0.90 or more for men and 0.85 or more for women to indicate substantially increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Is WHR better than BMI?
WHR measures fat distribution while BMI measures weight for height. They are complementary. Clinicians often read WHR alongside waist circumference or WHtR.
Can I use the calculator for children or during pregnancy?
No. WHO cut-offs were developed for adults. Do not use WHR to assess children or pregnant people.
How accurate are the results and what affects them?
Small tape placement changes of 1 to 2 cm change WHR noticeably. Repeat measurements or average two readings for better consistency.
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