Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator

Waist-to-Hip Ratio is waist circumference divided by hip circumference. Both inputs must use the same unit; the resulting quotient has no unit.

A 90 cm waist and 100 cm hip give 90 / 100 = 0.90. Converting both measurements to inches leaves the quotient unchanged.

Two circumferences do not directly measure visceral fat, diagnose obesity or establish an apple/pear/avocado body shape. This form displays the quotient without individualized risk tiers.

WHO STEPS, Part 3 Section 3 (updated 12 December 2008) specifies the following waist and hip procedure. Source checked 30 September 2026.

Waist circumference

Use a non-stretch tape at the midpoint between the lower margin of the last palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest (hip bone). Read at the end of a normal expiration, with arms relaxed. Keep the tape horizontal and snug without constricting.

Hip circumference

Place the tape around the maximum circumference over the buttocks. Stand with feet together and weight evenly distributed. Keep the tape horizontal and snug without constricting.

Measure on skin when possible; the waist protocol allows light clothing when necessary. Record the location and method so that repeat measurements are comparable. The navel and the narrowest waist are different landmarks and are not substituted for the WHO midpoint here.

The number describes relative circumference. A larger quotient can arise from a larger waist, a smaller hip, or both. Consider the underlying measurements rather than treating the quotient as a diagnosis.

This calculator assigns no sex-specific low/moderate/high tier. It does not calculate the probability of disease or a treatment threshold from two numbers.

A ratio cannot describe a complete body shape: it contains no bust, shoulder, skeletal or tissue-composition measurements. Body-shape names are not calculated here.

For example, 90/100 and 72/80 both equal 0.90, despite different absolute circumferences. Identical WHR does not establish identical internal fat or health.

The WHO expert consultation report (published 16 May 2011; meeting December 2008) examines public-health action cutoffs, measurement methods and variation by sex, age and ethnicity. Its scope does not turn this ungraded quotient into a personalized risk estimate. Source checked 30 September 2026.

Public-health thresholds depend on their defined population, measurement protocol and outcome. A raw quotient alone does not establish an individual probability of disease or the need for treatment.

No pregnancy, child or clinical risk model is supplied. If a health decision depends on the number, the relevant population, measurement method and additional clinical information matter.

Do centimeters and inches give different ratios?

No, if both circumferences are converted consistently. The form converts entered valid measurements when switching units and clears the prior result.

Where should I measure my waist?

At the WHO midpoint between the last palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest, at normal expiration. The hip measurement is the maximum circumference over the buttocks.

Does 0.90 indicate my disease risk?

It states that the entered waist is 90% of the entered hip circumference. This form does not apply a personal disease or body-shape classification.

How should I compare repeated measurements?

Use the same landmarks, tape positioning and unit conventions. Retain waist and hip measurements as well as the quotient.