Health calculator
Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in inches or cm, compare broad men and women WHR chart thresholds, and learn how to measure waist and hip correctly.
Waist and hip measurement
Measure consistently before comparing waist-to-hip ratio
Waist-to-hip ratio is waist circumference divided by hip circumference. Use the same unit for both measurements; 80 cm divided by 100 cm and 31.5 in divided by 39.4 in both give approximately 0.80.
Measurement placement matters more than whether you use centimeters or inches. Keep the tape horizontal and snug without compressing the skin. Measure the hip around the widest circumference over the buttocks, and follow one waist protocol consistently when tracking change.
Broad thresholds are screening references, not a diagnosis or body-shape score. Interpretation can vary with sex, age, ethnicity, pregnancy, body composition, and clinical history, so use the number alongside other health information.
| Reference | Value or meaning |
|---|---|
| Formula | WHR = waist circumference / hip circumference |
| 32 in / 40 in | 0.80 |
| 80 cm / 100 cm | 0.80 |
| Unit requirement | Waist and hip must use the same unit |
Checks before using the result
- Measure waist and hip with the same tape and unit.
- Repeat the measurement if the tape is tilted or clothing is bulky.
- Use the same anatomical points when comparing dates.
- Discuss health-risk interpretation with a qualified professional when it affects care.
FormulaWHR = waist circumference / hip circumference
Formula
Waist-to-hip ratio
This is a general adult screening estimate, not a diagnosis. Health context should be discussed with a qualified professional.
WHR = waist circumference / hip circumference
A 32 inch waist and 40 inch hip gives 32 / 40 = 0.80. The same ratio applies if both measurements are in centimeters.
SourcesThis calculator includes source notes, assumptions, and exclusions so the result is easier to verify before use.
Sources and assumptions
Source notes
This calculator includes source notes, assumptions, and exclusions so the result is easier to verify before use.
- Effective year
- Current rules
- Last verified
- 2026-09-18
This is a general adult screening estimate, not a diagnosis. Health context should be discussed with a qualified professional.
Official and reference sources
Assumptions
- Waist and hip measurements use the same unit: inches or centimeters.
- The displayed WHR chart uses broad adult male and female threshold references.
- The calculator rounds the displayed ratio for readability after dividing waist by hip.
- The sex input is used only to choose the broad chart threshold.
Not included
- Clinical diagnosis, individualized disease risk, pregnancy, children and teen percentiles, ethnicity-specific cutoffs, and medical history.
- Direct body fat measurement, waist-to-height ratio, BMI category calculation, and bust or shoulder measurements for body-shape classification.
- Differences between professional measurement protocols unless the user measures consistently.
FAQ8 common questions for this calculator.
FAQs
How do I calculate waist-to-hip ratio?+
Divide waist circumference by hip circumference using the same unit for both measurements. For example, 32 inches divided by 40 inches gives a WHR of 0.80.
Can I use this waist to hip ratio calculator in cm?+
Yes. Choose Metric and enter waist and hip in centimeters. You can also choose Imperial and enter inches; the ratio is identical when both measurements use the same unit.
What is the waist-to-hip ratio formula?+
The formula is WHR = waist circumference / hip circumference. It is sometimes described as waist divided by hip.
Is hips-to-waist ratio the same as waist-to-hip ratio?+
Searches for hips to waist ratio often mean the standard waist-to-hip ratio calculator. This page calculates WHR as waist divided by hip. If you intentionally want the inverse hip-to-waist ratio, divide hip by waist instead and do not compare that inverse number with WHR chart thresholds.
Where should I measure waist and hip?+
Use a consistent tape method. Measure waist with the tape level and snug without squeezing, then measure hips around the widest part of the hips or buttocks.
What is a WHR chart for women?+
Many adult screening references use a higher-range flag above 0.85 for women. This is a broad reference, not a diagnosis or body-shape verdict.
What is a WHR chart for men?+
Many adult screening references use a higher-range flag above 0.90 for men. Read it with BMI, waist circumference, health history, and professional advice when decisions matter.
Is waist-to-hip ratio the same as body shape or hourglass ratio?+
No. WHR describes waist size relative to hip size only. Body shape, hourglass, curvy, bust-to-waist-to-hip, and body type descriptions also involve bust, shoulders, height, and personal context.
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Health guide
How to use the Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in inches or cm, compare broad men and women WHR chart thresholds, and learn how to measure waist and hip correctly. The page also explains the waist-to-hip ratio and shows a practical example: A 32 inch waist and 40 inch hip gives 32 / 40 = 0.80. The same ratio applies if both measurements are in centimeters.
- 1
Enter your details
Enter the values for the waist to hip ratio calculator scenario you want to check.
- 2
Check the calculation
Review the result alongside the waist-to-hip ratio: WHR = waist circumference / hip circumference.
- 3
Compare scenarios
Change one or more inputs to see how they affect the waist to Hip Ratio Calculator result before you use the estimate.
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