Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Where you carry weight matters. Waist-to-hip ratio is a quick read on central fat and cardiometabolic risk.
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio
Waist ÷ hip. Higher ratios are associated with greater cardiometabolic risk.
For information only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Only a licensed provider can determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.
Disclaimer: Waist-to-hip ratio is one indicator among several used to assess cardiometabolic risk and doesn't replace a full clinical evaluation. It also can't tell you whether you're eligible for any NiceRx treatment. Only a licensed provider can, after reviewing your health history.
What is waist-to-hip ratio?
Waist-to-hip ratio compares the circumference of your waist to your hips. It reflects where fat is stored (abdominal fat carries more metabolic risk than fat on the hips and thighs) and is a screening measure used alongside BMI.
How to read your result
The WHO uses 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women as the threshold above which abdominal-obesity risk rises. A falling ratio during weight loss is a good sign even when the scale moves slowly.
Limitations
Measurement technique matters: measure the waist at the navel and hips at the widest point, tape snug but not tight. Pregnancy, posture and time of day all affect the reading. It is one indicator among several, not a diagnosis.
WHO cut-off points
| Indicator | Cut-off Points (Men) | Cut-off Points (Women) | Risk of Metabolic Complications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Circumference | > 94 cm | > 80 cm | Increased |
| Waist Circumference | > 102 cm | > 88 cm | Substantially Increased |
| Waist-Hip Ratio | ≥ 0.90 | ≥ 0.85 | Substantially Increased |
WHR risk chart
| Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) | Men | Women | Risk Level Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy (Low Risk) | < 0.90 | < 0.80 | Normal fat distribution, associated with low metabolic risk. |
| Moderate Risk | 0.90-0.99 | 0.80-0.89 | Increased abdominal fat, moderate risk of metabolic diseases. |
| High Risk | ≥ 1.00 | ≥ 0.90 | Substantially increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic complications. |
Note: legacy source's own prose beneath this table states different cutoffs (0.80/0.95 low-risk, >0.85/>1.0 high-risk for women/men) than this table and its WHO citation (>=0.85 women / >=0.90 men). Reproduced as-is, not corrected.
Ethnic-group WHR cutoffs
| Ethnic Group | Waist Circumference (Men, cm) | Waist Circumference (Women, cm) | Waist-Hip Ratio (Men) | Waist-Hip Ratio (Women) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| European / Caucasian | 94 | 80 | 0.9 | 0.85 | Standard reference population |
| Asian | 85 | 80 | 0.9 | 0.8 | Lower WC and WHR cut-offs due to higher body fat at lower BMI |
| Middle Eastern or African American | 94 | 80 | 0.9 | 0.85 | WC and WHR cut-offs close to European values |
| South American | 88–90 | 83–84 | 0.85–0.95 | 0.80–1.18 | WC cut-offs lower than Europeans; WHR similar |
| Hispanic | 90 | 85 | 0.90–0.91 | 0.84–0.86 | WC cut-offs lower than Europeans; WHR close to European values |
"Middle Eastern or African American" corrected from legacy source's literal typo "Middle Eastern or American Aferican" (spelling only). South American women's WHR range (0.80-1.18) is wide but reproduced exactly as published.
IDF waist-circumference-by-ethnicity
| Ethnic Group / Country | Waist Circumference (Male) | Waist Circumference (Female) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europids | ≥ 94 cm | ≥ 80 cm | USA uses ATP III values: 102 cm (male), 88 cm (female) for clinical purposes. |
| South Asians | ≥ 90 cm | ≥ 80 cm | Based on a Chinese, Malay, and Asian-Indian population. |
| Chinese | ≥ 90 cm | ≥ 80 cm | |
| Japanese | ≥ 85 cm | ≥ 90 cm | |
| South and Central Americans | Use South Asian recommendations | Use South Asian recommendations | Until more specific data are available. |
| Sub-Saharan Africans | Use European data | Use European data | Until more specific data are available. |
| Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (Arab populations) | Use European data | Use European data | Until more specific data are available. |
Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) risk
| WHtR Range | Risk Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| WHtR < 0.5 | No Increased Risk | Individuals with low risk of metabolic complications and related health issues. |
| WHtR ≥ 0.5 and < 0.6 | Increased Risk | Individuals with moderate risk of developing health complications such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. |
| WHtR ≥ 0.6 | Very High Risk | Individuals at high risk of metabolic complications, requiring urgent attention for intervention and health monitoring. |
BMI classification
| Weight Type | BMI Range (kg/m²) |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Less than 18.5 |
| Optimum Range | 18.5 to 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 to 29.9 |
| Class I Obesity | 30 to 34.9 |
| Class II Obesity | 35 to 39.9 |
| Class III Obesity | More than 40 |
WHR FAQs
Is WHR different for different ethnicities?
Yes, WHR is different for different ethnicities because waist circumferences and body composition vary among ethnic groups.
Can I have a healthy WHR but still be overweight?
Yes, it is possible to have a healthy WHR but still be overweight. The waist-to-hip ratio takes account of body fat in the waist and hips only. If you have higher fat deposition in other body areas such as the bust, shoulders, upper body, and peripheries, or you have a higher BMI, you can be overweight despite a normal WHR.
How often should I measure my WHR?
You should measure your WHR once a month. If you observe any significant changes in your body weight or your clothes fit, it means you have lost or gained weight. It is better to measure your WHR again in such cases.
What is the perfect waist-to-hip ratio?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the waist-to-hip ratio should be less than 0.90 for men and less than 0.85 for women.
Numbers are a start. Here's the context.
:format(webp))
Phentermine vs. Ozempic for weight loss: Which is better?
Ozempic (GLP-1 receptor agonist) and Phentermine (the classic stimulant) are commonly used weight loss medications. Ozempic is an FDA-approved GLP-1 agonist for managing type 2 diabetes in adults, cardiovascular risk reduction, and lowering the risk of worsening kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease with type 2 diabetes, but your healthcare provider may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss.
:format(webp))
Do GLP 1 patches work? The ultimate guide
Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are no longer news. These incretin mimetic GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 drugs that help you lose body weight by slowing down digestion and increasing the transit time of food in the stomach have gained widespread popularity in the past half a decade.
:format(webp))
How long does it take for Ozempic to work? Timeline and what to expect
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk. It is an injectable medication used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and is also used off-label for weight loss in people with obesity and overweight.
Personalized care, from $66.58/month
Weight loss, longevity and strength treatments, prescribed by a licensed provider and delivered to your door. No insurance needed.
Start your assessment