Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

WHO standards: Men — Low risk: <0.90, Moderate: 0.90–0.99, High: ≥1.00. Women — Low risk: <0.80, Moderate: 0.80–0.89, High: ≥0.90. WHR above the high-risk threshold is associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, independent of BMI.

Measure your waist at the narrowest point of your torso — typically just above the navel, midway between your lower rib and the top of your hip bone (iliac crest). Stand relaxed with feet together, breathe normally, and take the measurement after a normal exhale. Don't suck in your stomach.

Stand with feet together and measure at the widest point of your hips and buttocks — usually 8–9 inches (20–23 cm) below the natural waist. Keep the measuring tape horizontal and parallel to the floor. Don't compress the tape tightly — it should lie flat but not indent the skin.

WHtR = waist ÷ height. A ratio above 0.5 for adults of either sex indicates elevated cardiometabolic risk. The simple rule "keep your waist less than half your height" is easy to remember. Several studies suggest WHtR may be a better predictor of cardiovascular events than BMI, and is arguably simpler to calculate than WHR.

Visceral fat (deep abdominal fat around internal organs) is metabolically active — it secretes pro-inflammatory hormones, raises triglycerides, lowers HDL cholesterol, and promotes insulin resistance. Subcutaneous fat (under the skin on hips, thighs) is less metabolically harmful. WHR and WHtR both serve as proxies for visceral fat accumulation.