Enter your measured waist circumference and height into the calculator to calculate your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). WHtR is a simple screening metric that uses your waist measurement relative to your height.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice or a diagnosis. WHtR screening cutoffs may not apply to children/adolescents, pregnancy/postpartum, or certain medical conditions—use clinically recommended measurement methods and discuss results with a qualified healthcare professional. For official measurement guidance, check reputable public-health sources such as the CDC, NIH/NHLBI, or WHO.
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Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) Formula
The following formula is used to calculate waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) from a measured waist circumference and height:
WHtR = WC / H
Variables:
- WHtR is the waist-to-height ratio (unitless)
- WC is waist circumference (use any length unit)
- H is height (use the same length unit as WC)
To calculate WHtR, divide your waist circumference by your height. Any consistent units work (for example, inches/inches or cm/cm).
| Height (in) | Waist where WHtR = 0.5 (in) |
|---|---|
| 58 | 29.00 |
| 59 | 29.50 |
| 60 | 30.00 |
| 61 | 30.50 |
| 62 | 31.00 |
| 63 | 31.50 |
| 64 | 32.00 |
| 65 | 32.50 |
| 66 | 33.00 |
| 67 | 33.50 |
| 68 | 34.00 |
| 69 | 34.50 |
| 70 | 35.00 |
| 71 | 35.50 |
| 72 | 36.00 |
| 73 | 36.50 |
| 74 | 37.00 |
| 75 | 37.50 |
| 76 | 38.00 |
| 77 | 38.50 |
| This table is a reference for WHtR = 0.5 (waist equals half of height). WHtR is calculated as waist ÷ height, using the same units for both. | |
What is Waist Circumference?
Waist circumference is a common measure of abdominal size and is used in health screening related to obesity and cardiometabolic risk. For consistent measurement, stand relaxed and place a tape measure horizontally around the abdomen at the top of the hip bones (iliac crest) after a normal exhale. Some organizations use the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone; whichever method you use, be consistent over time.
How to Calculate Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR)
The following steps outline how to calculate WHtR using your measured waist circumference and height:
- Measure your waist circumference (WC) with a tape measure using a standard method (for example, at the top of your hip bones after a normal exhale).
- Measure your height (H).
- Use the formula WHtR = WC ÷ H (make sure both measurements use the same units).
- Enter your values into the calculator above to compute WHtR and view a general screening range.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Height (H) = 70 inches
Waist Circumference (WC) = 31.5 inches
Using the formula, the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) would be:
WHtR = 31.5 ÷ 70 = 0.45
