Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio and assess cardiovascular and metabolic health risk using WHO classification standards.
The Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) Calculator computes the ratio of your waist circumference to your hip circumference to assess risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) uses WHR as a key indicator of abdominal obesity, which is a stronger predictor of health risk than overall BMI in many populations.
Fat distribution matters as much as total body fat for health outcomes. Abdominal or "central" obesity (apple-shaped body) carries higher cardiovascular risk than fat stored in the hips and thighs (pear-shaped). WHR is a simple, low-cost measurement that helps identify central obesity without expensive equipment. Multiple large studies have shown WHR predicts heart attack risk better than BMI alone.
| Risk Level | Men (WHR) | Women (WHR) | Health Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | <0.90 | <0.80 | Low cardiovascular risk |
| Moderate | 0.90–1.00 | 0.80–0.85 | Moderate risk |
| High | >1.00 | >0.85 | High cardiovascular risk |
The Ponderal Index and WHR both identify excess central adiposity from different angles. WHtR <0.5 means "keep your waist less than half your height" — a memorable and clinically useful guide endorsed by international cardiology societies. Combined with WHR, it provides a comprehensive picture of abdominal fat distribution.
Measure your waist at the narrowest point (between the bottom rib and top of the hip bone). Measure your hips at the widest point across the buttocks. Both measurements should be taken without clothing. Enter the values and select gender to get your WHR, risk level and waist-height ratio.
WHR measures external body proportions and does not directly measure visceral fat. People with large glutes (pear-shaped) may have lower WHR even with excess abdominal fat. Accuracy depends on correct measurement technique. For a comprehensive assessment, WHR should be used alongside BMI, body fat percentage and blood markers.