Hips to Waist Ratio Calculator - Calculator Academy

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Formulas are based on standard definitions from trustworthy sources such as academic publications and recognized health organizations. Find the source for this calculator here.
Human reviewed and checked for accuracy by our expert in this field.

Julie Sheehan With 5+ years of experience in the healthcare field and a passion for fitness, she’s our go to reviewer for our health and fitness calculators. Full Bio

Enter the hip measurement and the waist measurement into the Hip to Waist Ratio Calculator. The calculator will evaluate and display the Hip to Waist Ratio.

Hip to Waist Ratio Formula

Source: This calculator defines hip-to-waist ratio as hip circumference divided by waist circumference. This is the reciprocal of the commonly used waist-to-hip ratio definition (waist ÷ hip) published by the World Health Organization (WHO): WHO — Waist Circumference and Waist–Hip Ratio (Expert Consultation).

The following formula is used to calculate the Hip to Waist Ratio.

HWR = H / W

Where HWR is the hip-to-waist ratio (a dimensionless value)
H is the hip measurement (hip circumference; any length unit)
W is the waist measurement (waist circumference; use the same unit as H)

To calculate the hip-to-waist ratio, divide the hip measurement by the waist measurement.

How to Calculate Hip to Waist Ratio?

The following example problems outline how to calculate Hip to Waist Ratio.

Example Problem #1:

First, determine the hip measurement (in).
- The hip measurement (in) is given as: 40.
Next, determine the total waist measurement (in).
- The total waist measurement (in) is provided as: 32.
Finally, calculate the Hip to Waist Ratio using the equation above:

HWR = H / W

The values given above are inserted into the equation below and the solution is calculated:

HWR = 40 / 32 = 1.25

FAQ

What is the significance of the Hip to Waist Ratio?
The Hip to Waist Ratio (HWR) describes how large the hips are relative to the waist (HWR = hip ÷ waist). Because it is the inverse of the more commonly used waist-to-hip ratio (WHR = waist ÷ hip), the direction of risk is also reversed: a lower HWR generally means a larger waist relative to hips (more central fat), which is typically associated with higher cardiometabolic risk. A higher HWR generally indicates a smaller waist relative to hips.

How can I improve my Hip to Waist Ratio?
Improving your Hip to Waist Ratio generally involves reducing waist circumference and improving overall body composition through nutrition, physical activity (including cardiovascular exercise and strength training), and lifestyle changes. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.

Is the Hip to Waist Ratio the same for men and women?
No. Typical values can differ between men and women due to differences in body composition and fat distribution, and many published “ideal” cutoffs are reported for waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) rather than HWR. If you are comparing your number to guidelines or charts, confirm whether they are using HWR (hip ÷ waist) or WHR (waist ÷ hip).