WHR Calculator — Waist to Hip Ratio
Use our free WHR calculator to get your waist-to-hip ratio in seconds. Enter your waist and hip circumference in cm or inches and your sex — see your WHR and whether you are in the healthy range according to WHO guidelines.
The waist to hip ratio (WHR) is your waist circumference divided by your hip circumference. It is used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess body fat distribution and health risk: a higher WHR often means more abdominal fat, which is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Our hip to waist calculator uses the same formula for everyone; the healthy range depends on your sex. This free waist to hip ratio calculator works in centimetres or inches and shows your result with a simple risk category (healthy, increased risk, or high risk).
How to Use the WHR Calculator
Using this WHR calculator is simple: measure your waist and hip with a tape measure (see "How to measure waist and hip" below), then enter your waist circumference in cm and your hip circumference in cm. Select your sex (male or female) and click "Calculate WHR." Your waist to hip ratio will appear with a category: Healthy (low risk), Increased risk, or High risk, based on WHO-style thresholds. The calculator uses the same formula for everyone; only the interpretation of what is a healthy waist to hip ratio depends on your sex.
What Is WHR (Waist to Hip Ratio)?
WHR stands for waist-to-hip ratio. It is the ratio of your waist circumference to your hip circumference. Unlike BMI, which only uses height and weight, the waist to hip ratio reflects where you carry body fat. If you came from BMI, read more about BMI limitations and why waist matters. A higher WHR usually means more fat around the middle (abdomen), which is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) uses WHR as a simple screening tool for health risk. So when people search for "what is waist to hip ratio" or "hip and waist ratio," they are looking for this measure of body fat distribution.
WHR Formula
The waist to hip ratio formula is: WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference. Both measurements are in the same units (we use centimetres). For example, if your waist is 80 cm and your hips are 100 cm, your WHR = 80 ÷ 100 = 0.80. The formula is the same for men and women; only the healthy range differs by sex (see WHR norms below). So "how to calculate waist to hip ratio" and "hip to waist ratio formula" both mean: measure waist and hip, then divide waist by hip.
How to Measure Waist and Hip
For an accurate waist to hip ratio, measure correctly. Waist: Stand straight, breathe out gently, and measure around your waist at the narrowest point (usually just above the navel), or halfway between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hip bone. Keep the tape snug but not squeezing the skin. Hip: Measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks, with the tape horizontal. Use a flexible tape measure and do both measurements in centimetres. "Waist and hip measurement" and "waist to hip ratio how to measure" mean exactly this: two circumference measurements, then divide. Doing it the same way each time helps when you recheck later.
WHR Norms (WHO Guidelines)
The World Health Organization uses the following healthy waist to hip ratio thresholds for adults. Values below the "Increased risk" threshold are generally considered healthy (low risk); above that, risk is considered increased or high. These are screening cut-offs, not a diagnosis.
| Sex | Healthy (low risk) | Increased risk | High risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men | < 0.90 | 0.90 – < 1.0 | ≥ 1.0 |
| Women | < 0.85 | 0.85 – < 0.90 | ≥ 0.90 |
So a normal waist to hip ratio for men is under 0.90, and for women under 0.85. A good waist hip ratio or healthy hip to waist ratio is one in the "Healthy" column. Our calculator applies these ranges when you enter your sex.
WHR for Women and Men
The waist to hip ratio formula is the same for female and male — you always divide waist by hip. But the female waist to hip ratio and waist to hip ratio for men are interpreted differently because healthy ranges differ. Women tend to have a lower "healthy" threshold (under 0.85) and men under 0.90, based on typical body fat distribution and research linking WHR to health outcomes. So whether you search for "waist to hip ratio for women" or "waist hip ratio for men," you use the same calculator; the result page will show the right category for your sex.
Why WHR Matters
WHR is a simple indicator of body fat distribution. Fat stored around the abdomen (apple shape) is more strongly linked to cardiovascular risk and metabolic problems than fat stored in the hips and thighs (pear shape). So waist to hip ratio health is about where your fat is, not just how much you weigh. A high waist to hip ratio can prompt you to talk to a doctor or dietitian and to consider lifestyle changes. WHR is a screening tool only; it does not replace a medical check-up or diagnosis.
How to Improve WHR
If your WHR is in the increased- or high-risk range, improving diet and increasing physical activity can help reduce abdominal fat over time. There is no separate "WHR exercise" — the aim is to lose excess body fat, especially around the waist, in a healthy way. Our calorie calculator and calorie deficit calculator can help you plan intake if weight loss is a goal. Always consult a doctor or dietitian for personalised advice.
Limitations and Disclaimer
This WHR calculator is for screening and information only. It is based on WHO-style cut-offs and is not a substitute for professional medical or dietetic advice. It may not be suitable for everyone (e.g. pregnancy, certain medical conditions). If your WHR is outside the healthy range or you have health concerns, see a doctor or dietitian.
Related Calculators
Our BMI calculator uses height and weight to classify body weight. WHR and BMI are different: BMI does not show where you carry fat, while WHR focuses on waist vs hip. Using both can give a broader picture. For diet planning, see our calorie calculator, TDEE calculator, and calorie deficit calculator.
Frequently asked questions
WHR (waist-to-hip ratio) is your waist circumference divided by your hip circumference. It is used to assess body fat distribution and health risk. A higher WHR is often associated with more abdominal fat and higher cardiovascular risk.
Measure your waist and hip in cm, then divide waist by hip. Or use the calculator above: enter waist, hip, and sex to get your WHR and risk category.
For men, under 0.90 is generally healthy; for women, under 0.85. Above these, risk is considered increased or high (WHO-style guidelines).
Normal/healthy: men under 0.90, women under 0.85. Increased risk: men 0.90 to under 1.0, women 0.85 to under 0.90. High risk: men 1.0 or above, women 0.90 or above.
Waist: narrowest point (or halfway between ribs and hip), standing, after exhaling. Hip: widest part around hips and buttocks. Use a tape measure in cm.
They measure different things. BMI is about total weight for height; WHR is about where you carry fat. Both are screening tools. WHR can be useful when BMI is normal but abdominal fat is high.
It usually means more fat around the waist relative to the hips, which is linked to higher risk of heart disease and metabolic problems. It is a prompt to discuss with a doctor or dietitian, not a diagnosis.
Explore diets
WHR is linked to heart and metabolic health. A healthy diet can support both. Browse all 40 diet guides or try these:
Heart-healthy & cholesterol diet
Limits saturated fat and sodium; supports heart and cholesterol.
Mediterranean diet
Plant-forward eating with olive oil, fish and vegetables. Often recommended for heart health.
DASH diet
Low sodium, plenty of potassium. Designed to support healthy blood pressure.
Weight loss diet
Balanced eating with a calorie deficit for sustainable weight loss.
Content quality
Written by DietaBest Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alex Novak, MD (Internal Medicine)
Last updated:
This guide is for general education only and does not replace personal medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before making major diet or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition or take medication.