Waist-to-hip ratio calculator
A simple measure of where you carry weight — often more telling than the scale alone.
The scale can't tell where you carry weight — and that turns out to matter. Your waist-to-hip ratio is a quick, no-cost way to capture that, and it's easy to track over time.
The short answer: waist-to-hip ratio is your waist ÷ hips. Higher ratios (roughly above 0.85 for women, 0.90 for men) are linked to greater health risk — often a more useful signal than weight or BMI alone, though never the whole story.
Calculate your ratio
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
A quick look at body shape — often more telling than weight.
Measure at the belly button & widest hips (same units)
Let’s focus on healthy, functional change.
How to measure well
- Waist: at the narrowest point, around the belly button.
- Hips: at the widest point around the buttocks.
- Keep the tape level and snug, not digging in, and measure relaxed at the end of a normal breath.
Common questions
What is waist-to-hip ratio?
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is your waist measurement divided by your hip measurement. It reflects where you carry body fat. Fat stored around the middle is more strongly linked to health risk than fat carried on the hips and thighs, which is why this simple ratio can be informative.
How do I measure my waist-to-hip ratio?
Measure your waist at the narrowest point (around the belly button), and your hips at the widest point around the buttocks, keeping the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin. Divide the waist number by the hip number. Measuring relaxed, at the end of a normal breath, gives the most consistent results.
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
As a general guide, the World Health Organization links higher risk to a ratio above about 0.85 for women and 0.90 for men. These are population guidelines, not a diagnosis — your overall health picture matters more than any single cutoff.
Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?
It can be a useful complement. BMI does not distinguish where you carry weight or separate muscle from fat, while waist-to-hip ratio captures fat distribution, which is health-relevant. Neither number tells the whole story — they are starting points for a conversation, not verdicts.
This is general education, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Talk with your healthcare provider about what these numbers mean for you.