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Health & FitnessReviewed Methodology

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

A woman with a 72 cm waist and 96 cm hips has a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.75, which falls in the low-risk band used by this tool. This waist-to-hip ratio calculator divides your waist measurement by your hip measurement and compares the result with standard adult cutoffs for men and women. Use the same unit for both measurements. Inches and centimeters both work because the units cancel out.

Health & FitnessBy Reviewed by Editorial Health Review

Quick answer

Waist-to-hip ratio is waist divided by hip circumference.

Use the same unit for both measurements. Inches and centimeters both work.

What this tells you

  • Waist-to-hip ratio is waist divided by hip circumference.
  • Both measurements must use the same unit.
  • This tool uses standard adult cutoffs for men and women.
  • The result is a screening marker, not a diagnosis.

How to Use

  1. 1Select the sex used for interpretation.
  2. 2Enter your waist measurement.
  3. 3Enter your hip measurement in the same unit.
  4. 4Calculate to see your waist-to-hip ratio and risk category.

How It Works

Formula

WHR = waist / hip Men: under 0.90 low, 0.90 to 0.99 moderate, 1.00 and above high Women: under 0.80 low, 0.80 to 0.84 moderate, 0.85 and above high

Measure waist and hips in the same unit, divide waist by hip, then compare the result with the sex-specific cutoffs. The units cancel out, so inches and centimeters produce the same ratio.

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

Worked Examples

Adult woman example

SexFemale
Waist72 cm
Hips96 cm
ResultRatio 0.75, low risk

72 divided by 96 equals 0.75, which stays below the 0.80 female cutoff.

Adult man example

SexMale
Waist94 cm
Hips100 cm
ResultRatio 0.94, moderate risk

94 divided by 100 equals 0.94, which lands in the 0.90 to 0.99 male band.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Risk Bands

Standard adult cutoffs used by this calculator.

SexLow riskModerate riskHigh risk
MenUnder 0.900.90 to 0.991.00 and above
WomenUnder 0.800.80 to 0.840.85 and above

Common mistakes

  • Using inches for one measurement and centimeters for the other.
  • Measuring hips too high instead of around the widest part.
  • Treating the ratio as a diagnosis instead of a screening cue.

Limitations

This calculator uses standard adult waist-to-hip ratio cutoffs only. It does not account for age, ethnicity, pregnancy, body composition, or clinical history, and it is not intended for children.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the cutoffs used here, under 0.90 is low risk for men and under 0.80 is low risk for women. Ratios at or above 1.00 for men and 0.85 for women fall in the high-risk band.
No. Use the same unit for both measurements and the ratio stays the same, whether you enter inches or centimeters.
Measure your waist around the narrowest point or just above the belly button, and measure your hips around the widest part of the buttocks. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
No. Waist-to-hip ratio looks at fat distribution, while BMI compares body weight with height. They answer different questions.
No. It is a screening tool only and should not replace clinical evaluation or professional advice.
It estimates waist-to-hip ratio calculator outputs using the visible inputs and formula assumptions on this page.

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