Krakauer and Krakauer (2012) designed ABSI to be almost independent of height, weight and BMI, so that it isolates the effect of abdominal fat. Higher ABSI values were linked with higher death rates in more than 14,000 US adults. Average adult values are around 0.08, rising slowly with age.
How to use the ABSI Calculator
- Sex
- Age
- Height
- Weight
- Waist circumference
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter your height, weight and waist circumference. The calculator first finds your BMI, then divides waist (in metres) by BMI to the power 2/3 and height to the power 1/2.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Sex | Choose one: Male, Female |
| Age | In years |
| Height | Units: cm, in, m, ft, mm |
| Weight | Units: kg, lb, st, g |
| Waist circumference | Units: cm, in, m, ft, mm |
What each result means
- BMI = [Weight]÷([Height]÷100)^2
- ABSI = ([Waist circumference]÷100)÷([BMI]^(2÷3)×([Height]÷100)^0.5)
- ABSI × 1000 = [ABSI]×1000
Example values
How the main result changes when Age changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Age (years) | ABSI |
|---|---|
| 20 | 0.0773 |
| 30 | 0.0773 |
| 40 | 0.0773 |
| 50 | 0.0773 |
| 60 | 0.0773 |
| 80 | 0.0773 |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
ABSI = waist (m) ÷ (BMI²/3) × height (m)¹/2))
Worked example
Inputs — Sex: Male; Age: 40 years; Height: 175 cm; Weight: 80 kg; Waist circumference: 90 cm.
Results — BMI = 26.1; ABSI = 0.0773; ABSI × 1000 = 77.28; Compared with a typical adult (≈ 0.080) = Below average.
Key terms
- ABSI z-score
- How many standard deviations your ABSI is from the average for your age and sex.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal ABSI?
In US adults the average is about 0.080–0.081, a little higher in men and older people.
How is ABSI different from BMI?
BMI ignores where fat is stored; ABSI focuses on waist fat relative to body size.
Can ABSI be used for children?
Reference values exist from age 2, but interpretation should be done with a paediatrician.