What is Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)?

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is a simple measurement used to determine body fat distribution. A higher WHR indicates more fat stored around the abdomen ('apple' shape), which is linked to a higher risk of health problems like heart disease and type 2 diabetes compared to fat stored around the hips ('pear' shape).

How do I measure my waist and hips correctly?

Use a flexible measuring tape. For your waist, measure at the narrowest point between your ribs and hips, usually just above the belly button. For your hips, measure around the widest part of your buttocks. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight and is parallel to the floor.

Why is WHR a better indicator than BMI for some people?

While BMI measures overall weight relative to height, it doesn't tell you where fat is stored. WHR specifically looks at abdominal fat, which is a key risk factor for metabolic diseases. For this reason, WHR can sometimes be a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than BMI.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) Calculator

Your WHR Result & Health Risk

Your Waist-to-Hip Ratio is:

Health Risk Category:

Health Risk Categories (Based on WHO)

Gender	Low Risk	Moderate Risk	High Risk
Male	< 0.90	0.90 - 0.99	≥ 1.0
Female	< 0.80	0.80 - 0.84	≥ 0.85

What Your WHR Result Means

The Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is a measurement used to assess body fat distribution. It helps to identify whether you have an "apple" shape (more weight around the abdomen) or a "pear" shape (more weight around the hips). Storing more fat around your waist is associated with a higher risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

This calculator uses guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify your health risk. While it's a valuable tool, it should be used as part of a broader health assessment that includes other metrics like BMI and Body Fat Percentage.

Explore More Health & Fitness Tools

BMI Calculator: Check your overall weight status relative to your height.
Body Fat Calculator: Use the U.S. Navy method for a detailed body composition analysis.
Lean Body Mass Calculator: Find out the weight of your body minus fat, a key indicator of metabolic health.
BMR Calculator: Understand your resting metabolism to plan your calorie needs.
Ideal Weight Calculator: See what various scientific formulas suggest as your healthy weight range.
TDEE Calculator: Get a complete picture of your daily calorie expenditure.
Macronutrient Calculator: Optimize your diet by setting targets for protein, carbs, and fats.
Daily Calorie Calculator: A comprehensive tool for managing your diet for weight control.
One-Rep Max (1RM) Calculator: A must-have tool for strength training enthusiasts.
Running Pace Calculator: Plan your runs and analyze your performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I measure my waist and hips accurately?

To get a reliable result, follow these steps:

Stand up straight and relax. Don't suck in your stomach.
For your waist: Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the circumference at the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button.
For your hips: Measure the circumference around the widest part of your hips and buttocks.
Ensure the tape is level and parallel to the floor for both measurements.

Is a low WHR always better?

Generally, a lower WHR (indicating a "pear" shape) is associated with lower health risks than a high WHR ("apple" shape). However, being significantly underweight is also a health risk. WHR should be considered alongside other health metrics like BMI and body fat percentage for a complete picture.

How can I improve my Waist-to-Hip Ratio?

Improving your WHR involves reducing abdominal fat. This is best achieved through a combination of a balanced diet, regular cardiovascular exercise (like running, swimming, or cycling), and strength training to build muscle mass. Reducing intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol can also be very effective.