Calculate waist-to-hip ratio from waist and hip circumference in inches or centimeters and get a simple screening result for basic health screening.

Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator

Enter waist and hip circumference (commonly measured in inches or centimeters) to calculate the waist-to-hip ratio.

Educational use only. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a screening indicator and cannot diagnose disease; risk depends on many factors (age, ethnicity, medical history, blood pressure, and lab results). Talk to a healthcare professional for individualized interpretation. WHR cutoffs are not validated the same way for children/teens, and pregnancy/postpartum body changes can make WHR misleading.

Waist to Hip Ratio Formula

The waist-to-hip ratio compares your waist circumference to your hip circumference. Use the same unit for both measurements before dividing.

WHR = W / H
  • WHR = waist-to-hip ratio
  • W = waist circumference
  • H = hip circumference

If you enter one measurement in inches and the other in centimeters, the calculator first converts both values to inches.

inches = centimeters * 0.3937007874
  • inches = converted length in inches
  • centimeters = length entered in centimeters
  • 0.3937007874 = inches per centimeter

The calculator then divides the converted waist measurement by the converted hip measurement. The result is rounded to 2 decimal places. Since both measurements are lengths, the ratio has no unit.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Risk Categories

These common adult screening categories are often used to interpret waist-to-hip ratio. They are not a diagnosis.

Group Lower Risk Moderate Risk Higher Risk
Women 0.80 or lower 0.81 to 0.85 Above 0.85
Men 0.95 or lower 0.96 to 1.00 Above 1.00

Measurement Tips for Waist and Hip Circumference

Measurement Where to Measure Tip
Waist Around the narrowest part of your torso, or near the midpoint between the lowest rib and top of the hip bone Keep the tape level and snug, but do not pull it tight.
Hips Around the widest part of your hips and buttocks Stand normally with feet together and measure over light clothing if possible.

Example Calculations

Example 1: Measurements in inches

You measure a waist circumference of 34 inches and a hip circumference of 40 inches.

WHR = 34 / 40 = 0.85

The waist-to-hip ratio is 0.85.

Example 2: Measurements in centimeters

You measure a waist circumference of 86 cm and a hip circumference of 102 cm.

WHR = 86 / 102 = 0.8431

Rounded to 2 decimal places, the waist-to-hip ratio is 0.84.

FAQ

Does it matter if I use inches or centimeters?

No. The ratio is the same as long as both measurements describe the same body lengths. If the units differ, the calculator converts them before dividing.

What does a higher waist-to-hip ratio mean?

A higher ratio usually means more body size is carried around the waist compared with the hips. In adults, this can be associated with higher cardiometabolic risk. It should be used as a screening measure, not as a diagnosis.

Is waist-to-hip ratio the same as BMI?

No. BMI compares weight to height. Waist-to-hip ratio compares waist size to hip size. BMI estimates general body size, while waist-to-hip ratio gives more information about body fat distribution.