Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) using your waist and hip measurements. Understand your body fat distribution with our free WHR calculator. Supports both Metric and Imperial units.
What Is Waist-to-Hip Ratio?
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is a measurement used to describe how body fat is distributed around the waist and hips. It is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference.
Unlike body weight alone, WHR provides information about where fat is stored on the body. It can be used alongside measurements such as BMI and waist circumference to provide a broader picture of body composition.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio Formula
The formula is simple:
WHR = Waist Circumference ÷ Hip Circumference
For example, if your waist measures 80 cm and your hips measure 100 cm:
80 ÷ 100 = 0.80
The result is a ratio and therefore does not have a unit.
How to Measure Your Waist and Hips
- Use a flexible measuring tape.
- Keep the tape horizontal around your body.
- Measure your waist at the appropriate measurement point without pulling the tape excessively tight.
- Measure your hips around the widest part of your buttocks.
- Keep both measurements in the same unit.
- Take measurements consistently when tracking changes over time.
Understanding Your Waist-to-Hip Ratio
| Result | General Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Lower WHR | Indicates a relatively smaller waist compared with the hips. |
| Higher WHR | Indicates a relatively larger waist compared with the hips. |
WHR should be interpreted together with other health measurements and individual factors rather than being used as a diagnosis on its own.
WHR vs. BMI
| Measurement | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| BMI | Weight relative to height. |
| Waist-to-Hip Ratio | Waist size relative to hip size. |
| Waist Circumference | The size of the waist and an indicator of abdominal fat. |
Using multiple measurements can provide more context than relying on a single measurement alone.
Important Health Information
Waist-to-hip ratio is a general body measurement and should not be used by itself to diagnose a medical condition or determine an individual's overall health.
Reference values can vary according to factors such as sex, age, ethnicity, and population. If you have concerns about your health or body measurements, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Related Health Calculators
After calculating your waist-to-hip ratio, you can explore other WeightChecker health calculators to understand different aspects of your body and wellness.