The Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is a measurement used to evaluate the distribution of body fat. It compares the size of your waist — the narrowest part of your torso — to the size of your hips — the widest part around your buttocks. This is done by simply dividing your waist measurement by your hip measurement.
WHR = Waist size ÷ Hip size
For example, if your waist is 34 inches and your hips are 40 inches, your waist-to-hip ratio would be 34 ÷ 40 = 0.85.
This number gives important information about where your body stores fat. People who carry more fat around the waist (known as “apple-shaped” bodies) are generally at a higher risk of certain health problems than those who carry more fat around the hips and thighs (known as “pear-shaped” bodies).
The waist-to-hip ratio is often used by health professionals as a quick screening tool for assessing potential risks related to heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions linked to abdominal fat.
It’s important to note that WHR is a simple and useful indicator, but it should not be used on its own to assess your overall health. It’s best combined with other tools like Body Mass Index (BMI), physical exams, and medical history to get a complete picture of your well-being.
Whether you're tracking your fitness progress or just curious about your health, knowing your waist-to-hip ratio can give you helpful insight into your body composition and guide you toward healthier choices.
Using the Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps to get your result:
That’s it! With just a few numbers, you can get helpful insights into your health. For best accuracy, use a flexible measuring tape and measure in inches or centimeters.
Once you calculate your Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), you’ll see a number along with a short message explaining your result. But what does it all mean? Here’s how to understand the numbers and what they say about your health:
The calculator divides your waist measurement by your hip measurement to give you a number, usually between 0.6 and 1.2. This is your WHR. A lower number generally means a healthier fat distribution, while a higher number can indicate more fat around your waist — which may carry greater health risks.
These categories are based on studies that link body fat distribution to the likelihood of developing health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Even if your overall weight is within a normal range, a high WHR can still mean increased risk. Fat stored around the waist (also called visceral fat) is more harmful than fat stored around the hips and thighs. That’s why WHR is a valuable tool for understanding your health beyond the number on the scale.
Keep in mind that WHR is just one piece of the puzzle. It's best used along with other health checks and conversations with your healthcare provider.
Your Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) result falls into one of three main risk categories: Low Risk, Moderate Risk, or High Risk. These categories help you understand how your body fat distribution may affect your long-term health.
If your WHR is in the Low Risk range, it means your body fat is distributed in a healthier way — typically more around your hips than your waist. This pattern is often seen in “pear-shaped” body types. People in this category usually have a lower chance of developing heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
A Moderate Risk result suggests a more balanced fat distribution between your waist and hips, but it may still be leaning toward an unhealthy range. It’s a good time to pay attention to your lifestyle — especially your diet and activity level — to help prevent future health issues.
If your result falls into the High Risk category, it means you have more fat stored around your waist than your hips — often referred to as an “apple-shaped” body. This type of fat distribution is linked to a higher risk of serious health problems like:
While this may sound concerning, it's also an opportunity to make positive changes. Improving your nutrition, increasing physical activity, and reducing stress can all help lower your WHR over time.
If your Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) falls into the moderate or high risk category, don’t worry — there are simple lifestyle changes you can make to reduce abdominal fat and improve your overall health. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:
Improving your WHR isn’t about achieving perfection — it’s about progress. Small, consistent changes to your lifestyle can lead to better health, more energy, and a reduced risk of disease over time. Always talk with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure where to begin.
Both the Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) and the Body Mass Index (BMI) are tools used to assess body health, but they measure different things and can tell you different stories about your body.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated using your height and weight. It helps classify you into categories like underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. However, BMI doesn't take into account where fat is stored in your body.
For example, two people might have the same BMI, but one could carry more fat around the waist (which is more dangerous), while the other might carry fat more evenly.
The Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), on the other hand, specifically measures fat distribution. It shows whether you carry more weight around your waist or your hips, which can be a better indicator of health risk — especially related to heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
Both tools are helpful in different ways. BMI is widely used and easy to calculate, while WHR adds another layer of insight, especially for those who want to understand more about their fat distribution and potential health risks.
For the most accurate picture of your health, it’s a good idea to use both — and to combine them with professional medical advice when needed.
You can use either inches or centimeters — just make sure you use the same unit for both your waist and hip measurements. Mixing units (e.g., waist in inches and hips in cm) will give incorrect results.
Use a flexible measuring tape. For your waist, measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button. For your hips, measure around the widest part of your hips or buttocks. Stand up straight and don’t pull the tape too tight.
This calculator is not suitable for pregnant women, as body measurements and fat distribution change significantly during pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider during this time.
WHR adds valuable information that BMI doesn’t provide. While BMI estimates overall body fat, WHR focuses on where the fat is located — and fat around the waist is more strongly linked to health risks than fat stored in other areas.
WHR is more accurate than BMI in many cases, but it still may not fully apply to people with very high muscle mass. Athletes should consider using additional health assessments tailored to their body type and lifestyle.
You don’t need to check it daily, but measuring your WHR every few months can help you monitor changes in your body shape, especially if you're working on fitness or weight goals.
First, don’t panic. A high WHR is a signal, not a sentence. Focus on improving your daily habits — eat healthier, move more, sleep better, and manage stress. If you’re unsure where to start, a healthcare provider can help guide you.
The Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.
While the WHR is a useful tool for assessing general health risks related to body fat distribution, it does not replace professional medical advice or a physical examination.
Individual health can be affected by many factors, including age, genetics, medical history, and lifestyle habits. If you have concerns about your weight, body measurements, or risk factors, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider.
Always seek the guidance of a medical professional before making any major changes to your diet, exercise, or health routines based on your WHR or any online health tool.