Speedy Calculator

Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator

Health Updated October 25, 2026

Quick answer

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.

Midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone.

Around the widest part of the buttocks.

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

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

  1. Sex
  2. Waist circumference — Midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone.
  3. 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

Field What to enter
Sex Choose one: Male, Female
Waist circumference Units: cm, m, mm, in, ft. Midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone.
Hip circumference Units: 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 ratio
43 0.43
64.5 0.65
86 0.86
107.5 1.08
129 1.29
172 1.72

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.

Formula

WHR = waist ÷ hip

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.

Frequently asked questions

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

  1. World Health Organization – Waist circumference and waist–hip ratio, expert consultation report (2008)

Cite this calculator

Speedy Calculator. (2026). Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator. Speedy Calculator. https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/waist-to-hip-ratio/