Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Free Waist-to-Hip Ratio for health & fitness. Enter your measurements for personalized results with clear explanations and reference ranges.
Formula
WHR = Waist Circumference / Hip Circumference
Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement to get a ratio indicating where you store body fat. Lower ratios indicate healthier fat distribution patterns.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Low Risk Male
Problem:Male with 82cm waist and 98cm hips.
Solution:WHR = Waist / Hip\nWHR = 82 / 98\nWHR = 0.84\n\nRisk Assessment (Male):\n< 0.90 = Low Risk ✓\n0.90-0.99 = Moderate Risk\n≥ 1.00 = High Risk\n\nResult: 0.84 is in the Low Risk category.\nBody Shape: Balanced distribution
Result:WHR: 0.84 (Low Risk)
Example 2: High Risk Female
Problem:Female with 88cm waist and 100cm hips.
Solution:WHR = Waist / Hip\nWHR = 88 / 100\nWHR = 0.88\n\nRisk Assessment (Female):\n< 0.80 = Low Risk\n0.80-0.84 = Moderate Risk\n≥ 0.85 = High Risk ✓\n\nResult: 0.88 is in the High Risk category.\nBody Shape: Apple shape (more abdominal fat)
Result:WHR: 0.88 (High Risk)
Example 3: Imperial Units
Problem:Male with 36 inch waist and 40 inch hips.
Solution:Convert to calculate:\nWaist: 36 in = 91.4 cm\nHip: 40 in = 101.6 cm\n\nWHR = 91.4 / 101.6\nWHR = 0.90\n\nOr simply:\nWHR = 36 / 40 = 0.90\n(Ratio is unitless)\n\nRisk: Borderline moderate for males
Result:WHR: 0.90 (Moderate Risk)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is waist-to-hip ratio?
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is your waist circumference divided by your hip circumference. It measures where you store body fat. A higher ratio indicates more abdominal fat, which is associated with increased health risks. WHR is considered a better predictor of health risks than BMI alone.
How do I measure waist circumference correctly?
Stand relaxed, don't suck in. Measure at the narrowest point of your waist, typically at the navel or just above it, between the bottom of ribs and top of hip bones. Keep the tape level and snug but not compressing skin. Measure after exhaling normally.
Can I change my waist-to-hip ratio?
Yes, through diet and exercise. You can't spot-reduce fat, but overall fat loss typically reduces waist fat first. Strength training builds hip/glute muscles, potentially improving the ratio. Cardio and caloric deficit help reduce visceral fat. Genetics influence fat distribution but don't determine it entirely.