Complete Guide & Formula for the Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple measurement the World Health Organization uses to assess how body fat is distributed — and it's often a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than BMI alone, since it flags "apple shaped" abdominal fat specifically. This waist-to-hip ratio calculator uses centimeter measurements and applies the WHO's gender-specific risk thresholds automatically.
💡 The Formula
WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference. Measure your waist at its narrowest point and your hips at their widest point, using the same unit for both.
Why Waist-to-Hip Ratio Matters
- Cardiovascular risk indicator: Higher WHR is linked to increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Fat distribution, not just amount: Two people with the same BMI can have very different health risks based on where they carry fat.
- Gender-specific thresholds: Because body shape differs by sex, the WHO uses different risk cutoffs for men and women.
- 100% Free & Private: No signup, all math runs in your browser.
WHO Risk Categories
| Risk Level | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | Below 0.90 | Below 0.80 |
| Moderate Risk | 0.90–0.99 | 0.80–0.84 |
| High Risk | 1.00 and above | 0.85 and above |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Measure your waist circumference in cm at its narrowest point.
- Measure your hip circumference in cm at its widest point.
- Select your gender.
- Click ⚡ Calculate Waist-to-Hip Ratio to see your ratio and WHO risk category.
- Use 📋 Copy Summary to save your results or 🔗 Share to send this calculator to someone else.