Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Where you carry weight matters as much as how much — WHR captures the fat-distribution risk that BMI misses.
WHO risk bands
| Risk | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Low | < 0.90 | < 0.80 |
| Moderate | 0.90 – 1.00 | 0.80 – 0.85 |
| High | > 1.00 | > 0.85 |
How to measure
Waist: at the narrowest point, usually just above the navel, after a normal exhale — no sucking in. Hips: around the widest part of the buttocks. Same units for both (the ratio cancels them), tape snug but not compressing.
Frequently asked questions
Why does waist fat matter more?
Abdominal (visceral) fat wraps the organs and is metabolically active — it correlates with cardiovascular and diabetes risk far more strongly than fat on the hips and thighs. Two people at identical BMI can carry very different risk, which WHR exposes.
WHR or waist circumference alone?
Both are used clinically; WHO thresholds for waist alone are 94 cm (men) / 80 cm (women) for elevated risk. WHR adds body-frame context; tracking either consistently over time is what matters.
Last updated: 2026-07-13