# Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator

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

> The waist to hip ratio calculator divides waist circumference by hip circumference. The World Health Organization uses a ratio above 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women as a marker of abdominal obesity and higher cardiometabolic risk.

## Inputs

- Sex
- Waist circumference (cm, m, mm, in, ft) — Midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone.
- Hip circumference (cm, m, mm, in, ft) — Around the widest part of the buttocks.

## Results

- Waist to hip ratio
- WHO cut-off
- Compared with cut-off

## Formula

```
WHR = waist ÷ hip
```

## Explanation

Where you carry fat matters as much as how much. Fat around the abdomen is more closely linked with heart disease and type 2 diabetes than fat on the hips and thighs.

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

- **Sex**
- **Waist circumference** — Midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone.
- **Hip circumference** — Around the widest part of the buttocks.

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

### How it works

Divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement, both in the same unit. The result is compared with the WHO cut-off for your sex.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterSexChoose one: Male, FemaleWaist circumferenceUnits: cm, m, mm, in, ft. Midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone.Hip circumferenceUnits: cm, m, mm, in, ft. Around the widest part of the buttocks.

### What each result means

- **Waist to hip ratio** = [Waist circumference] ÷ [Hip circumference]
- **Compared with cut-off** = [Waist to hip ratio] - [WHO cut-off]

### 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 hip ratio430.4364.50.65860.86107.51.081291.291721.72
*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 — Sex: Male; Waist circumference: 86 cm; Hip circumference: 100 cm.

Results — **Waist to hip ratio = 0.86**; WHO cut-off = 0.9; Compared with cut-off = -0.04.

## Key terms

- **Abdominal obesity**: Excess fat stored around the waist.

## FAQ

**Is WHR better than BMI?**
It captures fat distribution, which BMI cannot; using both gives a fuller picture.

**How do I measure accurately?**
Stand relaxed, breathe out gently and keep the tape snug but not tight.

**What formula does the Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator use?**
WHR = waist ÷ hip.


## Sources

- [World Health Organization – Waist circumference and waist–hip ratio, expert consultation report (2008)](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241501491)