Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple, validated measure of abdominal obesity and a strong independent predictor of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and all-cause mortality.
Your Measurements
Measure at the narrowest point of your torso, usually just above the navel.
Measure at the widest point of your hips and buttocks.
Risk thresholds vary slightly by age group.
Your Result
Enter your waist and hip measurements to calculate your WHR.
📋 What Your Result Means
For educational purposes only — not medical advice.
The gauge above shows where your result sits. The WHO defines substantially increased cardiovascular risk at WHR above 0.90 for men and above 0.85 for women.
| Risk Level | Male WHR | Female WHR |
|---|---|---|
| Low risk | < 0.85 | < 0.75 |
| Moderate risk | 0.85 – 0.90 | 0.75 – 0.85 |
| Substantially increased risk | > 0.90 | > 0.85 |
WHR may be more predictive than BMI: The INTERHEART study (Yusuf et al. 2005, Lancet) — a case-control study of 27,098 participants across 52 countries — found that waist-to-hip ratio was a stronger predictor of myocardial infarction than BMI. The population-attributable risk for abdominal obesity (measured by WHR) was 20.1% for heart attacks, compared to just 7.7% for high BMI (DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67177-2).
Waist circumference as an independent marker: In addition to WHR, absolute waist circumference is a standalone risk indicator. The NHLBI defines increased cardiometabolic risk at waist circumference above 102 cm (40 in) for men and above 88 cm (35 in) for women, regardless of hip measurement. If your waist exceeds these thresholds, consider it a signal even if your WHR looks acceptable.
What drives high WHR: A high ratio reflects central (android) fat distribution — fat stored primarily around the abdomen rather than the hips and thighs. This pattern is associated with higher visceral fat, increased insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides, and greater inflammatory marker levels. Reducing WHR typically requires a combination of caloric deficit and regular exercise, with evidence suggesting that aerobic exercise is particularly effective at reducing abdominal fat.
Want to learn more? Read our in-depth article: The Health Risk Hidden in Your Waist-to-Hip Ratio →
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