Calculate abdominal volume index and waist-to-height ratio from waist, hip, and height measurements in cm, inches, or mixed units.

Estimate AVI from waist and hip circumference. This is a research index, not a direct body-fat measurement.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides educational, screening-style estimates and does not diagnose any condition. Cutoffs can vary by age, sex, ethnicity, and health status, and may not apply to children or during pregnancy. If you have symptoms or concerns, discuss results with a qualified clinician.

For context, see the original AVI research and NICE WHtR guidance. The WHtR bands are adult screening references for BMI below 35, not diagnostic cutoffs for AVI.

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Abdominal Volume Index Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Abdominal Volume Index (AVI) for a given waist circumference and hip circumference.

AVI = (2 × WC² + 0.7 × (WC - HC)²) / (1000)

Variables:

  • AVI is the Abdominal Volume Index
  • WC is the waist circumference in centimeters
  • HC is the hip circumference in centimeters

To calculate AVI, square the waist circumference and multiply by 2, add 0.7 times the squared difference between waist and hip, and then divide the total by 1000.

What is Abdominal Volume Index?

The Abdominal Volume Index (AVI) is an anthropometric index used to estimate abdominal obesity using waist and hip circumference measurements. Higher AVI values generally indicate greater central (abdominal) fat accumulation, which is associated with increased risk for cardiometabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (Waist-to-height ratio is a different metric and is calculated from waist and height.)

How to Calculate Abdominal Volume Index?

Choose Abdominal volume index under Solve for. The other choices calculate waist-to-height ratio, waist, or height; ratios can be entered as a decimal or percentage. The following steps outline AVI.

  1. First, measure the waist circumference (WC) in centimeters.
  2. Next, measure the hip circumference (HC) in centimeters.
  3. Finally, calculate AVI using the formula: AVI = [2 × WC² + 0.7 × (WC − HC)²] / 1000.
  4. After inserting the values and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Waist Circumference (WC) = 80 cm

Hip Circumference (HC) = 95 cm

Using the formula AVI = [2 × WC² + 0.7 × (WC − HC)²] / 1000, the Abdominal Volume Index can be calculated as follows:

AVI = [2 × 80² + 0.7 × (80 − 95)²] / 1000 = [12800 + 157.5] / 1000 = 12.96