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Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

Assess cardiovascular risk by measuring waist vs hip circumference.

Complete Guide

Overview

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) measures body fat distribution. Excess fat stored around the abdomen (apple shape) carries a higher cardiovascular risk than fat stored around the hips (pear shape). WHR is a stronger predictor of heart disease risk than BMI alone.

WHO WHR Risk Thresholds

Low Risk

Men <0.90 / Women <0.80

Moderate Risk

Men 0.90–0.99 / Women 0.80–0.84

High Risk

Men ≥1.00 / Women ≥0.85

How to Use

Select your gender.

Measure waist at the narrowest point (usually just above the belly button).

Measure hips at the widest point.

Enter values and click Calculate.

Formula & Calculation

WHR = Waist Circumference ÷ Hip Circumference

Example

Waist 85cm, Hip 95cm → WHR = 85÷95 = **0.89** (Low Risk for females, Moderate for males)

Benefits of Using This Calculator

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Cardiovascular Screening

Better than BMI for heart disease risk assessment.

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Simple Measurement

Just a tape measure required.

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Targeted Insight

Reveals dangerous abdominal fat specifically.

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Fitness Tracker

Tracks improvements in body shape over time.

In-Depth Guide

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator: Measure Your Cardiovascular Risk

Where your fat is stored matters more than how much you weigh. Visceral fat around the waist wraps around internal organs and is far more dangerous than fat on the hips and thighs. Waist-to-Hip Ratio directly measures this distribution risk.

What Is Waist-to-Hip Ratio?

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) compares your waist circumference to your hip circumference. A high ratio means more fat concentrated abdominally — the type most strongly linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Research shows WHR predicts cardiovascular risk better than BMI alone.

The Formula

WHR = Waist Circumference ÷ Hip Circumference (same unit — cm or inches)

How to Measure

Waist: At the narrowest point between ribs and hips. Breathe out normally.
Hips: At the widest point around the buttocks.

Worked Example

Waist: 88 cm. Hips: 100 cm. WHR = 88 ÷ 100 = 0.88 (Moderate risk for men, High risk for women)

WHO Risk Thresholds

Risk Level	Men (WHR)	Women (WHR)
Low Risk	Below 0.90	Below 0.80
Moderate Risk	0.90 – 0.99	0.80 – 0.84
High Risk	1.00 and above	0.85 and above

Check your risk with our Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator.

Why This Matters

Targets dangerous fat. Visceral fat drives inflammation and insulin resistance.
Stronger than BMI for heart risk. WHR predicts heart attacks better in multiple large studies.
Just a tape measure needed. No expensive equipment required.
Tracks body shape changes. Reveals fat redistribution even when total weight changes little.

Practical Tips

Reduce refined carbs. These specifically promote visceral fat storage around the abdomen.

Prioritise cardio. Aerobic exercise is particularly effective at reducing abdominal fat.

Manage stress. Chronic stress raises cortisol, which drives belly fat accumulation.

Sleep 7–9 hours. Poor sleep increases cortisol and promotes abdominal fat storage.

Final Thoughts

WHR is one of the most clinically meaningful body measurements you can take at home. It reveals where your fat sits — and that location matters enormously for your long-term health.

Take two measurements and check your risk with our free Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator.