Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and cardiovascular risk category.
Supports inches and centimeters with WHO reference ranges for men and women.
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple measure of body fat distribution. Fat stored around the abdomen (apple shape) carries significantly higher cardiovascular disease risk than fat stored around the hips and thighs (pear shape).
The Formula:
WHR = Waist circumference / Hip circumference
(Both measurements in the same unit — cm or inches)
Measurement Technique:
- Waist: Measure at the narrowest point, usually just above the belly button, after exhaling normally
- Hips: Measure at the widest point of the buttocks
WHO Health Risk Classification:
| Risk Level | Male WHR | Female WHR |
|---|---|---|
| Low risk | Below 0.90 | Below 0.80 |
| Moderate risk | 0.90–0.99 | 0.80–0.85 |
| High risk (abdominal obesity) | 1.00 or above | 0.86 or above |
Worked Example:
Female with waist = 76 cm, hip = 98 cm:
WHR = 76 / 98 = 0.776 → Low risk (pear shape)
Male with waist = 100 cm, hip = 102 cm:
WHR = 100 / 102 = 0.98 → Moderate risk (nearing high risk)
WHR vs. BMI:
WHR is a better predictor of cardiovascular and metabolic disease than BMI because:
- BMI doesn’t distinguish muscle from fat
- WHR specifically measures visceral fat (the dangerous kind surrounding organs)
- Athletes can have high BMI and healthy WHR
Practical Tips:
- WHR above 1.0 (men) or 0.85 (women) is associated with significantly elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome
- Waist circumference alone is also useful: above 102 cm (40 in) for men and 88 cm (35 in) for women indicates high risk
- Abdominal fat responds well to aerobic exercise — even without weight loss, exercise redistributes body fat