What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?

According to the World Health Organisation, the lower-risk band is below 0.90 for men and below 0.80 for women. Men at 1.00 or above and women at 0.85 or above are classed as high risk, with a moderate band in between.

How is waist-to-hip ratio calculated?

WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference, both measured in the same unit. Because the units cancel, the result is a unitless number, typically between about 0.7 and 1.0.

How do I measure my waist and hips correctly?

Measure your waist at the narrowest point, usually just above the navel, and your hips at the widest point around the buttocks. Keep the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin, and measure without clothing for accuracy.

Does cm or inches change the result?

No. Since you divide waist by hip in the same unit, the ratio is identical whether you use centimetres or inches. Just keep both measurements consistent.

Why does the risk band differ for men and women?

Women naturally store more fat on the hips and thighs, so the WHO sets lower thresholds for women (0.80 and 0.85) than for men (0.90 and 1.00). The calculator applies the band for the sex you select.

Is WHR better than BMI?

They measure different things. BMI reflects overall weight for height, while WHR reflects fat distribution. Carrying fat around the waist (a higher WHR) is linked to greater cardiovascular and metabolic risk, so the two are best used together.

Is my data sent anywhere?

No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser and nothing is uploaded.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio

Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) compares the circumference of your waist to that of your hips. It is a simple indicator of how body fat is distributed — a higher ratio means more fat is carried around the abdomen, which is linked to greater cardiovascular and metabolic risk than fat carried on the hips and thighs. It is widely used as a quick screen alongside BMI.

How it works

The calculator divides your waist by your hip, both entered in the same unit:

WHR = waist ÷ hip

The units cancel, so the result is a unitless number that is identical in centimetres or inches. The tool then matches your ratio to the World Health Organisation risk band for the sex you select.

WHR (men)	WHR (women)	Risk band
Below 0.90	Below 0.80	Low
0.90 – 0.99	0.80 – 0.84	Moderate
1.00 and over	0.85 and over	High

Example

A man with a 85 cm waist and 100 cm hips has WHR = 85 ÷ 100 = 0.85. That falls below the 0.90 male threshold, so the band is low health risk. The same 0.85 ratio for a woman would instead land in the high band, which is why selecting the correct sex matters.

WHR is a screening guide, not a diagnosis. Everything runs locally in your browser, so your measurements stay private.