# Waist to Height Ratio Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/waist-to-height-ratio/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The waist to height ratio calculator divides waist circumference by height. A simple rule from UK NICE guidance is to keep your waist below half your height; a ratio of 0.5 or more indicates increased health risk.

## Inputs

- Waist circumference (cm, m, mm, in, ft)
- Height (cm, m, mm, in, ft)

## Results

- Waist to height ratio
- Waist for a ratio of 0.5

## Formula

```
WHtR = waist ÷ height
```

## Explanation

Waist to height ratio works across adult sexes and ethnicities with one threshold, which makes it a practical screening tool.

### How to use the Waist to Height Ratio Calculator

- **Waist circumference**
- **Height**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Divide waist by height in the same unit. Values of 0.4–0.49 are generally considered healthy.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterWaist circumferenceUnits: cm, m, mm, in, ftHeightUnits: cm, m, mm, in, ft

### What each result means

- **Waist to height ratio** = [Waist circumference] ÷ [Height]
- **Waist for a ratio of 0.5** = [Height] × 0.5

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Waist circumference** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Waist circumference (cm)Waist to height ratio420.24630.36840.481050.61260.721680.96
*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.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Waist circumference: 84 cm; Height: 175 cm.

Results — **Waist to height ratio = 0.48**; Waist for a ratio of 0.5 = 87.5 cm.

## FAQ

**What is the target?**
Keep your waist to less than half your height.

**Does it work for children?**
The 0.5 cut-off is also used for children over 5 in some guidance.

**What formula does the Waist to Height Ratio Calculator use?**
WHtR = waist ÷ height.


## Sources

- [NICE guideline NG246 – Overweight and obesity management](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng246)