Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Check body-fat distribution risk with the WHO waist-to-hip guideline.
The Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator compares your waist and hip circumferences to indicate how fat is distributed on your body — the difference between the 'apple' shape (fat stored around the middle) and the 'pear' shape (fat stored around the hips and thighs).
Where fat sits matters for health: abdominal fat correlates with higher cardiovascular and metabolic risk, which is why the World Health Organization sets waist-to-hip risk thresholds at 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women. Ratios above those lines flag elevated risk regardless of overall body size.
Like every single-metric screen, the result is a signal, not a verdict — pair it with BMI and waist-to-height for a fuller picture. The tool runs locally in your browser and is purely educational.
Waist-to-hip ratio
0.80
Below 0.90 — within healthy range
WHO risk guideline: below 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women. Measure the waist at the navel and hips at the widest point.
How to use the Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
- Measure your waist at the navel.
- Measure your hips at the widest point.
- Enter both in centimeters and choose your sex.
- Read your ratio against the WHO threshold.
- Interpret with BMI and other measures for context.
Frequently asked questions
What are the WHO waist-to-hip thresholds?
The WHO defines substantially increased metabolic risk above 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women. Below these lines is considered lower risk from fat distribution.
What is the difference between apple and pear shapes?
An apple shape stores fat around the abdomen (high waist-to-hip ratio) and carries higher cardiometabolic risk. A pear shape stores fat around hips and thighs (lower ratio) and is generally lower risk — the ratio quantifies which pattern you have.
Can exercise change my waist-to-hip ratio?
Yes — reducing overall body fat lowers waist circumference, improving the ratio. Diet plus consistent cardio and resistance training is the proven combination; spot reduction of belly fat alone is not possible.
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