Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate WHR from waist and hip measurements, compare common WHO adult cutoffs, review measuring guidance, and optionally see waist-to-height ratio. Runs locally.
Calculate waist-to-hip ratio
Instant result
- Reference interpretation
- Not above the common cutoff
- Current cutoff
- 0.90
- Waist-to-height ratio (additional)
- 0.47
- Formula
- 80 ÷ 100 = 0.80
0.10 below the cutoff
Common WHO adult cutoff Male > 0.90
Measurement essentials
- Waist: measure horizontally at a consistent site and read at the end of a normal breath.
- Hip: measure horizontally around the widest part of the buttocks.
- Height: stand naturally without shoes.
- Waist and hip must use the same unit. Do not rely on this result during pregnancy, with ascites, after surgery, or when measurement sites are not standardized.
How to use the calculator
- Choose sex and unitChoose the sex used for the reference comparison, then confirm whether waist, hip, and height are in centimetres or inches.
- Enter waist and hipUse the same unit for waist and hip. Height is optional.
- Review the result and limitsCompare WHR with the current cutoff, then read the measurement error, population differences, and situations where the result should not be used.
Learn more
Formula and reference cutoff
WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference. The page calculates with the full values and displays two decimals; the interpretation uses the unrounded result.
- This tool uses common WHO adult cutoffs: above 0.90 for men and above 0.85 for women.
- Cutoffs can differ by population, age, guideline version, and clinical purpose.
How to interpret the result
The value only describes waist size relative to hip size. A result above the cutoff may indicate more central fat distribution, but it cannot determine disease or an individual treatment target by itself.
Measurement site and error
Use the same measurement site, posture, and tape tension each time. A difference of a few centimetres can change the category when a result is close to the cutoff.
- WHR is sensitive to measurement site, tape tension, and breathing phase.
- It is not suitable during pregnancy, with ascites, or soon after abdominal or hip surgery.
Privacy and local processing
All calculations run locally in your browser. Inputs are not uploaded and no cookies are used. Only preview language and unit preferences are stored; inputs enter the URL only when you select “Copy share link.”
Method and authoritative sources
Limits and disclaimer
This tool is intended for general adult health management. If the result concerns you, or if you have relevant symptoms, a medical condition, pregnancy, or a postoperative state, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
The result is for general health management and is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or personalized medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How is waist-to-hip ratio calculated?
Divide waist circumference by hip circumference. You may use centimetres or inches, but both measurements must use the same unit.
Does 0.90 or 0.85 automatically mean disease?
No. These are common screening reference cutoffs, not diagnostic criteria. Actual risk also depends on age, population, overall health, and measurement quality.
Why is waist-to-height ratio also shown?
Waist-to-height ratio compares waist size with height and offers an additional perspective. It does not replace professional assessment or change the main WHR result.
When should this calculator not be used?
Do not rely on it during pregnancy, with ascites, after surgery, when body shape has changed substantially, or when standard measurement sites cannot be used.