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Health & FitnessReviewed Methodology

Body Shape Calculator

Bust 96 cm, waist 70 cm, and hips 98 cm suggest an hourglass-leaning result under the rules used here. This body shape calculator compares bust, waist, and hip measurements and applies a simple ruleset to suggest a broad body-shape category. Use the same unit for all three measurements. The result is descriptive only, so treat it as a sizing or styling guide rather than a health judgment.

Health & FitnessBy Reviewed by Editorial Health Review

Quick answer

The calculator compares bust, waist, and hip proportions instead of body weight.

Use the same unit for all three measurements. This form does not convert between inches and centimeters.

What this tells you

  • The calculator compares bust, waist, and hip proportions instead of body weight.
  • It suggests five broad outcomes: hourglass-leaning, triangle-leaning, inverted triangle-leaning, rectangle-leaning, and oval-leaning.
  • You can use inches or centimeters because the rules depend on proportions, not the unit itself.
  • The result is a descriptive estimate, not a diagnosis or a complete body assessment.

How to Use

  1. 1Choose inches or centimeters for the measurement labels.
  2. 2Enter your bust, waist, and hip measurements in that same unit.
  3. 3Calculate to see the suggested body-shape category and the supporting ratios.
  4. 4Use the result as a rough styling reference, then ignore it if it does not fit how you dress or size yourself.

How It Works

Formula

Bust-to-hip ratio = bust / hips Waist-to-bust ratio = waist / bust Waist-to-hip ratio = waist / hips Rules used here: 1. Oval-leaning if waist is within 5% of both bust and hips 2. Hourglass-leaning if bust and hips are within 5% of each other and waist is at least 25% smaller than both 3. Triangle-leaning if hips are at least 5% larger than bust and waist is at least 20% smaller than hips 4. Inverted triangle-leaning if bust is at least 5% larger than hips and waist is at least 20% smaller than bust 5. Rectangle-leaning otherwise

The calculator compares each measurement as a proportion, so the unit cancels out as long as bust, waist, and hips all use the same unit. The rules are intentionally simple and deterministic. They do not measure frame size, shoulder width, posture, muscle mass, or where you naturally carry weight.

Calculation note: values are processed in the order shown above, using the current input units.

Worked Examples

Hourglass-leaning example

Bust96 cm
Waist70 cm
Hips98 cm
ResultHourglass-leaning

Bust and hips are close to balanced, and the waist is more than 25% smaller than both, so the hourglass rule is the first match.

Triangle-leaning example

Bust90 cm
Waist72 cm
Hips100 cm
ResultTriangle-leaning

The hips are more than 5% larger than the bust, and the waist is at least 20% smaller than the hips, so the rules sort this set into the triangle group.

Body Shape Rules Used Here

These are the exact cutoffs used by this calculator.

Category shownMain proportion ruleHow to read it
Oval-leaningWaist within 5% of both bust and hipsMidsection measurements stay close to the upper and lower measurements
Hourglass-leaningBust and hips within 5%, waist at least 25% smaller than bothUpper and lower measurements stay balanced with a clearly smaller waist
Triangle-leaningHips at least 5% larger than bust, waist at least 20% smaller than hipsLower-body measurement leads the set
Inverted triangle-leaningBust at least 5% larger than hips, waist at least 20% smaller than bustUpper-body measurement leads the set
Rectangle-leaningAny set that does not meet the stronger cutoffs aboveMeasurements read as more even overall

This table is a practical classification system for broad shape labels. It is not a medical standard.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing inches for one measurement with centimeters for another
  • Measuring over thick clothing or at different landmarks each time
  • Treating a descriptive body-shape label like a health score or value judgment

Limitations

This calculator uses a simple three-measurement ruleset only. It does not account for shoulders, rib cage width, posture, pregnancy, body composition, breast tissue changes, surgery, age-related changes, or how different brands cut clothing. A small change in the tape position can also shift the result.

Frequently Asked Questions

It compares your bust, waist, and hip measurements by ratio and then applies the five fixed rules listed on the page. The first matching rule becomes the suggested category.
Either works. Use the same unit for all three measurements because the calculator only compares proportions.
That is common. Real bodies do not always fit neat labels, so this tool picks the closest match under its rules even when your measurements sit near a cutoff.
No. The result is a descriptive sizing and styling estimate, not a health assessment.
A different tape position, posture change, bra choice, or normal body changes can shift the proportions enough to move you into another category.
It estimates body shape calculator outputs using the visible inputs and formula assumptions on this page.

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