Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio and see your cardiovascular risk category per WHO sex-specific thresholds.
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Your result
0.85
Waist-to-hip ratio
AI explanation
Formula
Ratio = waist circumference / hip circumferenceWorked example
Male, waist 80cm, hip 100cm
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Waist circumference | 80 |
| Hip circumference | 100 |
| Sex | male |
| Waist-to-hip ratio | 0.8 |
| Risk category | Low risk |
Assumptions
- Uses the World Health Organization's sex-specific risk thresholds (men <0.90 low, 0.90-0.99 moderate, >=1.0 high; women <0.80 low, 0.80-0.84 moderate, >=0.85 high).
- Reflects body fat distribution (apple vs. pear shape) rather than overall body size.
- Informational only — not a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
Per WHO thresholds, men should aim for below 0.90 and women below 0.80 for low cardiovascular risk. Higher ratios indicate more abdominal ("apple-shaped") fat distribution.
Why do men and women have different thresholds?
Fat distribution patterns differ by sex on average — women tend to store more fat in the hips and thighs, while men tend toward abdominal fat, so the risk thresholds are calibrated separately.
Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI for assessing health risk?
It captures fat distribution, which BMI does not — abdominal fat specifically is more strongly linked to cardiovascular and metabolic risk than overall body size.
Related calculators
Sources
- Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio: Report of a WHO Expert Consultation — World Health Organization. Effective 01-12-2008, reviewed 13-09-2026.
This calculator provides a general estimate only and does not constitute personalized medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for a full health assessment.
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