Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) to assess your health risk related to fat distribution. Learn if you have an apple or pear-shaped body type.
Calculate Your Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Enter your waist and hip measurements to calculate your waist-to-hip ratio.
Understanding Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple measurement that helps assess how fat is distributed in your body. It's calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference.
WHR is particularly useful because it helps identify whether you carry more weight around your abdomen (apple shape) or around your hips (pear shape). Research has shown that people with more abdominal fat (apple shape) have a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems compared to those with more hip fat (pear shape).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy WHR is:
- For men: 0.9 or less
- For women: 0.85 or less
To measure your waist and hips correctly:
- Waist: Measure around your bare abdomen at the narrowest point, usually just above your belly button.
- Hips: Measure around the widest part of your buttocks.
For the most accurate results, take measurements in the morning before eating, stand straight with feet together, and ensure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor and snug but not tight against your skin.
While WHR is a useful indicator, it should be used alongside other health assessments like BMI, body fat percentage, and regular health check-ups for a comprehensive understanding of your health status.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is waist-to-hip ratio?
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a measurement of the proportion of your waist circumference to your hip circumference. It's used to assess body fat distribution and health risk related to excess abdominal fat.
- How is waist-to-hip ratio calculated?
Waist-to-hip ratio is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference. For example, if your waist is 30 inches and your hips are 36 inches, your WHR would be 30 ÷ 36 = 0.83.
- What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
A healthy waist-to-hip ratio depends on gender. For men, a WHR of 0.9 or less is considered healthy. For women, a WHR of 0.8 or less is considered healthy. Higher ratios indicate increased health risks.
- Why is waist-to-hip ratio important?
Waist-to-hip ratio is important because it helps identify whether you have excess fat around your abdomen (apple shape) or hips (pear shape). Abdominal fat is associated with higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.
- How do I measure my waist and hips correctly?
To measure your waist, place a tape measure around your bare abdomen just above your hip bone, at the narrowest part of your waist. For hip measurement, place the tape around the widest part of your buttocks. Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor and snug but not tight against your skin.