# Free online waist-to-hip ratio calculator

> Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) compares your waist circumference to your hip circumference. A higher ratio indicates more abdominal fat, which raises cardiovascular disease risk.

Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and find your cardiovascular risk category using World Health Organization thresholds.

**Interactive version:** https://onlinecalculator.me/health/waist-hip-ratio/
**Category:** Health

## How to use

1. Select your **biological sex**.
2. Choose inches or centimeters.
3. Enter your **waist circumference** (at the narrowest point).
4. Enter your **hip circumference** (at the widest point).
5. Click **Calculate WHR**.

## Formula

**WHR = Waist circumference ÷ Hip circumference**

Both measurements must be in the same unit.

## WHO risk thresholds

| Category | Male | Female |
|----------|------|--------|
| Low | < 0.90 | < 0.80 |
| Moderate | 0.90 – 0.95 | 0.80 – 0.85 |
| High | 0.96 – 1.00 | 0.86 – 0.90 |
| Very high | > 1.00 | > 0.90 |

Source: [WHO Global Health Observatory](https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/2526)

## Worked example

**Female with 30 inch waist and 38 inch hips:**

WHR = 30 ÷ 38 ≈ **0.79** → **Low risk** (below 0.80 threshold for females)

## Frequently asked questions

### How is waist-to-hip ratio calculated?

WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference. Both measurements must be in the same unit. A WHR of 0.80 means the waist is 80% of the hip circumference.

### What are the WHO risk categories?

Per the World Health Organization: Males — low < 0.90, moderate 0.90–0.95, high 0.96–1.00, very high > 1.00. Females — low < 0.80, moderate 0.80–0.85, high 0.86–0.90, very high > 0.90.

### Where do I measure my waist and hips?

Measure your waist at the narrowest point between your ribs and hips, usually at the belly button or just above it. Measure your hips at the widest point of your buttocks. Stand straight, breathe normally, and don't pull the tape tight.

### How does WHR compare to BMI?

BMI uses only height and weight and cannot distinguish fat distribution. WHR specifically captures abdominal obesity, which is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk than total body weight.

### Is WHR the same as waist-to-height ratio?

No. Waist-to-height ratio divides waist by height, with a threshold of 0.5 often used as a general health marker. WHR divides waist by hip and uses sex-specific thresholds.

## Sources

- [Waist–hip ratio indicator metadata](https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/2526) — World Health Organization

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