Male reference0.90
< 0.90
Below the WHO increased-risk cutoff.
≥ 0.90
At or above the WHO increased-risk cutoff.
Body composition · fat distribution
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio from two tape measurements, compare it with WHO sex-specific reference cutoffs, and learn how to measure consistently for a more useful result.
WHO reference cutoffs
Private browser calculation
Metric & imperial
Free WHR calculator
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio
Choose the reference sex used for interpretation, select your unit, then enter waist and hip circumferences measured with the same tape and technique.
WHO reference cutoffs
How to interpret waist-to-hip ratio
WHO reporting commonly uses WHR values at or above 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women to identify increased obesity-related health risk. These are screening thresholds, not diagnostic boundaries.
Female reference0.85
< 0.85
Below the WHO increased-risk cutoff.
≥ 0.85
At or above the WHO increased-risk cutoff.
Measurement protocol
How to measure waist and hip circumference correctly
Small changes in tape position can change WHR. For repeatable tracking, use the same WHO-style measurement landmarks every time.
Stand naturally
Stand upright with feet together, weight evenly distributed, arms relaxed, and normal abdominal tension.
Measure the waist
Place a stretch-resistant tape horizontally midway between the lower margin of the last palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest. Measure after a normal exhalation.
Measure the hips
Keep the tape horizontal around the largest circumference of the buttocks. The tape should be snug without compressing the skin.
Use the same unit
Record both measurements in centimeters or both in inches. WHR is waist divided by hip, so the unit cancels.
What WHR tells you
A simple view of body-fat distribution
WHR is an anthropometric screening measure that compares abdominal circumference with hip circumference. It can complement BMI because two people with similar body weight can distribute fat differently.
Central fat distribution
A larger waist relative to the hips suggests more abdominal fat distribution, which is why WHR is used in population-level cardiometabolic risk screening.
Useful alongside BMI
BMI summarizes weight relative to height, while WHR describes shape and fat distribution. Looking at both can provide broader context than either measure alone.
Track technique, not just numbers
A centimeter of tape-placement error can move your ratio. Consistent measurement technique matters more than chasing tiny day-to-day differences.
Not a diagnosis
WHR cannot diagnose diabetes, heart disease, or body-fat percentage. Elevated results are a reason to look at the wider health picture with an appropriate professional when needed.
Calculation examples
WHR examples in centimeters and inches
The ratio is identical when both measurements use the same unit.
80 cm waist ÷ 100 cm hips
WHR = 0.80For the WHO reference cutoffs shown on this page, 0.80 is below both 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women.
32 in waist ÷ 40 in hips
WHR = 0.80Because inches divide by inches, the units cancel. Converting both values to centimeters would produce the same ratio.
38 in waist ÷ 40 in hips
WHR = 0.950.95 is at or above both sex-specific WHO increased-risk cutoffs used for adult screening.
Tool guide
Understand and use the Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Use these tool-specific notes to understand the method, enter better data, interpret the output, and apply the result appropriately.
Fat Distribution
WHR divides waist circumference by hip circumference to describe central versus lower-body size distribution. It is a screening indicator rather than a body-fat percentage.
Use WHO Sites
Measure the waist and hip at the specified WHO-style anatomical locations with a level tape and consistent tension. Different measurement sites can produce different ratios.
Read the Cutoff
The page provides WHO public-health reference cutoffs for the selected sex category. These thresholds indicate screening context, not a medical diagnosis.
Track the Ratio
Use the same unit and measurement technique each time. Because the ratio is unitless, cm/cm and in/in should match when the underlying measurements are equivalent.
Frequently asked questions
Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator FAQs
Practical answers about this tool's inputs, method, results, limitations, and common real-world use.
How do I calculate waist-to-hip ratio?
Divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference using the same unit for both. For example, 80 cm ÷ 100 cm = 0.80.
What WHR is considered high?
WHO reporting commonly uses WHR ≥0.90 for men and ≥0.85 for women as increased-risk cutoffs for obesity-related morbidity. These are screening references rather than diagnostic thresholds.
Should I measure my waist at the belly button?
The WHO protocol used here places the waist tape at the midpoint between the lower margin of the last palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest, not simply at the navel.
Why can my WHR change even if my weight stays the same?
Waist and hip circumferences can change independently because of fat distribution, muscle development, bloating, measurement conditions, and body-composition changes.
Is WHR better than BMI?
They measure different things. BMI relates weight to height; WHR describes fat distribution. Neither is a complete diagnosis, and each can add context depending on the question.
Can I use centimeters or inches?
Yes. Use the same unit for both waist and hip measurements. The final ratio is unitless, so correctly measured metric and imperial inputs give the same WHR.
Where is hip circumference measured for WHR?
Measure around the widest portion of the buttocks according to the stated protocol, keeping the tape horizontal. A higher or lower tape position can change the result.
What happens exactly at the WHR cutoff?
The cutoff is a screening threshold, so a value at or above the stated reference enters the higher-risk screening category used on the page. It does not create a sudden biological change at one decimal point.
Is WHR appropriate during pregnancy?
Pregnancy changes abdominal circumference for reasons unrelated to the usual central-adiposity interpretation. Standard adult WHR screening cutoffs are not designed to interpret pregnancy-related body changes.
Do I need to convert inches to centimeters before calculating WHR?
No if both measurements use the same unit. Inches divided by inches and centimeters divided by centimeters produce the same ratio for the same body measurements.
Method & references
Sources and methodology
This calculator uses WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference and WHO-style circumference measurement landmarks. The sex-specific cutoffs shown are public-health screening references, not diagnoses.
- World Health Organization — Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation
- WHO — Expert consultation on waist circumference and waist-hip ratio
- NCBI MeSH — Waist-Hip Ratio definition and health context
Content reviewed: .
Health-use disclaimer
This calculator is an educational screening tool. Waist-to-hip ratio does not diagnose disease, determine body-fat percentage, or replace individualized medical assessment. Pregnancy, recent surgery, medical conditions, and measurement limitations can make WHR less useful. If you are concerned about cardiometabolic risk, discuss your overall health profile with a qualified healthcare professional.