Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) Calculator — US Units
The waist-to-hip ratio tells you whether you carry excess fat around the abdomen. This matters because abdominal fat (visceral fat) is metabolically active and linked to hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Unlike BMI, WHR specifically measures fat distribution, not just total body weight.
This calculator defaults to US imperial measurements (inches) and classifies your result using WHO central-obesity thresholds: 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women.
WHR Formula and WHO Thresholds
Waist-to-hip ratio is a straightforward calculation:
WHR = Waist Circumference ÷ Hip Circumference
The World Health Organization uses the following cutoffs to flag central obesity risk:
| WHR Range | Men | Women | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 0.80 | Low | Low | Low |
| 0.80 – 0.89 | Normal | Borderline | Low to Moderate |
| 0.90 – 0.99 | Borderline / High | Central Obesity | Moderate to High |
| 1.00 and above | Central Obesity | Severe Central Obesity | High |
Why WHR Matters More Than BMI for Some People
BMI treats all body weight the same. WHR distinguishes between fat carried around the hips (subcutaneous, lower risk) and fat carried around the abdomen (visceral, higher risk). This is why two people with the same BMI can have very different metabolic profiles.
How to Measure Waist and Hip Correctly
| Measurement | Where to Measure | How to Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Waist | Narrowest part of the torso, just above the navel | Stand relaxed, tape level, snug but not tight |
| Hip | Widest part of the buttocks | Stand with feet together, tape level all the way around |
Q Frequently Asked Questions
What is waist-to-hip ratio? WHR is waist circumference divided by hip circumference. It tells you about body fat distribution, particularly abdominal fat.
What is a good WHR for women? Below 0.85 is considered low risk. Between 0.85 and 0.89 is borderline. 0.90 and above is classified as central obesity.
What is a good WHR for men? Below 0.90 is considered low risk. At or above 0.90 is classified as central obesity by the WHO.
Can I use this calculator with centimeters? Yes. Click the unit toggle above the inputs to switch to Metric (cm). The ratio is unit-agnostic, so the result stays the same.