Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) from waist and hip measurements in cm or inches and compare it with the WHO cutoffs for women and men.

Measure waist midway between the lowest rib and hip bone, and hips at the widest buttock circumference.

Population screening references vary with age and ethnicity; they do not diagnose an individual.

Waist-to-height ratio
Blank omits the waist-to-height ratio.

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 centimeters.

inches = centimeters / 2.54
  • 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 displayed with up to 6 decimal places. Since both measurements are lengths, the ratio has no unit.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Risk Categories

The optional comparison uses the adult screening cutoffs below. A result below a cutoff does not establish low health risk; age, ethnicity and measurement protocol affect interpretation. These cutoffs are unsuitable for children or pregnancy. Source: WHO STEPS survey reference.

Group Below reference At or above reference Interpretation
Women Below 0.85 0.85 or higher Adult screening flag
Men Below 0.90 0.90 or higher Adult screening flag

Measurement Tips for Waist and Hip Circumference

Measurement Where to Measure Tip
Waist Midway between the lowest palpable rib and the top of the hip bone; read after a normal breath out 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 with minimal clothing.

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

To six decimal places, the waist-to-hip ratio is 0.843137.

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.