Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is the ratio of your waist circumference to your hip circumference (calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference). WHR is a measurement tool that looks at the proportion of fat stored on your waist, and hips and buttocks. Weight concentrated around the middle is often referred to as an “apple” shape; whereas, weight concentrated around your hips is referred to as a “pear” shape.

In many cases, persons with extra weight located around the middle are at higher risk for diseases such as heart disease and diabetes than those who carry weight around their hips and thighs. Abdominal fat, when out of proportion to total body fat, may be considered an indicator of health risks. A waist circumference measurement of over 35 inches in women and over 40 inches in men may increase risk because of the fat distribution.

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is more often used as the standard tool to measure overweight and obesity than the WHR.

Use the calculator to determine your WHR.

To measure your waist and hip circumferences:

Using a tape measure to check your waist circumference, measure the distance around the smallest area of your waist, usually just above the belly button.

Using a tape measure to check your hip circumference, measure the distance around the largest area of your hips, usually the widest part of the buttocks.

Enter your waist and hip circumferences and click on “calculate.

Please note: WHR is not intended for children and those individuals who are less than five feet in height or who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or above.

Your waist-to-hip (WHR) ratio is:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

For men, a ratio of .90 or less is considered safe.
For women, a ratio of .80 or less is considered safe.

For both men and women, a WHR of 1.0 or higher is considered “at risk” for heart disease and other problems associated with being overweight.

WHR should be used as a guideline. Always consult your physician for more information regarding your health risks, Body Mass Index (BMI), and the healthy body weight that is right for you.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)