40-year-old male, 95 cm waist, 102 cm hip
Input: Waist 95 cm, Hip 102 cm, Sex: male
Output: WHR ≈ 0.931, 'Moderate risk' (0.90-0.99 band), apple-shaped
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Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and assess cardiovascular risk using WHO classification for men and women.
About Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
The Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator (WHR) divides waist by hip circumference to quantify how much fat sits centrally versus gluteofemorally. Higher WHR — the 'apple-shaped' pattern — is linked to greater cardiometabolic risk; lower WHR ('pear-shaped') generally lower risk. The World Health Organization classifies WHR risk by sex: men below 0.90 and women below 0.85 fall in the low-risk band; at or above 0.90 (men) and 0.85 (women) signals substantially increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk. WHR is sex-specific because adult fat distribution differs hormonally. Major studies including Interheart and Interstroke show WHR predicts heart attack and stroke risk independent of BMI. This calculator is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health.
Why use Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
- Sex-specific WHO thresholds account for biological fat distribution differences.
- Strong predictor of cardiovascular events, independent of BMI in major studies.
- Captures hormonally driven fat patterning that simple weight does not.
- Useful complement to body fat % and waist-to-height ratio for a full body shape picture.
- Widely used clinically — your doctor can interpret the same number you compute here.
- Privacy-first: measurements never leave your browser, no health data shared with any service.
How to use Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
- Stand relaxed with feet together; remove restrictive clothing.
- Measure waist circumference at the narrowest point above the navel, exhaling normally.
- Measure hip circumference at the widest point of the buttocks, tape parallel to the floor.
- Enter both values in matching units (cm or inches).
- Select your biological sex — WHR thresholds differ for men and women.
- Read the WHR value, WHO risk category, and apple/pear body shape descriptor.
When to use Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
- Routine cardiometabolic risk screening alongside BMI and blood pressure.
- Tracking changes in fat distribution during weight loss or hormonal shifts.
- Pre-pregnancy health checks where central adiposity matters.
- Comparing risk profiles across athletes versus general population.
- Clinical context such as PCOS, perimenopause, or testosterone therapy where fat patterns shift.
- Pre-clinic baseline before discussing labs with a doctor or dietitian.
Examples
32-year-old female, 70 cm waist, 95 cm hip
Input: Waist 70 cm, Hip 95 cm, Sex: female
Output: WHR ≈ 0.737, 'Low risk' (under 0.80), pear-shaped
55-year-old female, 90 cm waist, 105 cm hip
Input: Waist 90 cm, Hip 105 cm, Sex: female
Output: WHR ≈ 0.857, 'High risk' (≥0.85), apple-shaped
Tips
- Measure both girths in the morning before eating for consistent results.
- Use the same tape every time — even a couple of millimetres of stretch can shift WHR by 0.005.
- Stand on a hard floor with weight evenly distributed on both feet.
- Track WHR weekly during a recomposition program; daily noise is too high.
- Compare your WHR with your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) for a triangulated risk picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this calculator?▾
The math is exact — WHR is a simple division. Accuracy depends on consistent tape technique. WHR has been validated in populations of millions and is recommended by the WHO for risk screening.
Should I rely on this without a doctor?▾
No. WHR is a screening signal, not a diagnosis. High-risk results warrant a clinical visit for blood pressure, lipid panel, and glucose testing.
Are my measurements stored anywhere?▾
No. All math runs locally in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server, logged, or saved.
Why are men and women evaluated differently?▾
Adult sex hormones (estrogen vs testosterone) drive different baseline fat distributions. Women carry more gluteofemoral fat, so a higher WHR threshold for risk applies.
Where exactly should I measure waist and hip?▾
Waist: narrowest natural waistline (above navel for most). Hip: widest point around the buttocks. WHO permits navel-level waist measurement; pick one location and stick to it.
Does WHR change during pregnancy?▾
Yes — pregnancy changes both girths in ways that invalidate the standard WHR risk interpretation. Use WHR before pregnancy and at least 3-6 months postpartum.
Is WHR or WHtR a better predictor?▾
Recent meta-analyses give a slight edge to waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) for predicting cardiometabolic disease, but WHR remains a clinically established and useful complementary measure.
Can WHR change without weight loss?▾
Yes. Strength training, hormonal changes, and visceral fat reduction can shift WHR even when scale weight is stable. WHR captures composition shifts that the scale misses.
Explore the category
Glossary
- Body composition
- Distribution of fat, lean mass, bone, and water in the body — far more informative than scale weight alone.
- Subcutaneous vs visceral fat
- Subcutaneous fat sits just under the skin (largely cosmetic); visceral fat wraps around organs and drives cardiometabolic disease.
- Apple shape (android)
- Body fat concentrated in the abdomen and trunk, with a higher WHR; metabolically the higher-risk pattern.
- Pear shape (gynoid)
- Body fat concentrated in hips and thighs, with a lower WHR; historically lower cardiovascular risk.
- Hip circumference
- Largest girth around the buttocks; reflects gluteofemoral fat plus the underlying skeletal frame.
- Cardiometabolic risk
- Combined risk for cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders such as type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.