Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

Use this waist-to-hip ratio calculator to compare your waist and hip measurements with the WHO cut-off.

Your numbers

Where to go next

Waist-to-Height Ratio CalculatorThis waist-to-height ratio calculator checks whether your waist is less than half your height.
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Body Fat CalculatorThis body fat calculator estimates your body fat percentage from a tape measure and the Navy method.

Field Notes that go deeper

The science behind the waist-to-hip ratio calculator

Show the formulas, method and sources

The waist-to-hip ratio divides your waist measurement by your hip measurement. It describes where your body carries its weight. The tool compares the result with the cut-off the WHO uses for your sex.

Formulas

Ratio

Waist-to-hip ratio = waist circumference / hip circumference (same units)

Cut-offs used (at or above)

Men: 0.90
Women: 0.85

How it works, step by step

First, the calculator converts both measurements to centimeters.
Then it divides the waist by the hip.
Finally, it compares the ratio with the cut-off for your sex and shows how far apart they are.

Worked example

A woman with a 75 cm waist and a 98 cm hip has a ratio of 75 / 98 = 0.77. That sits below the 0.85 cut-off.

Accuracy and limits

Because a 2024 study of Ethiopian adults states the WHO waist-hip ratio cut-offs as 0.90 or higher for men and 0.85 or higher for women, the tool uses those values.

That study set out to find cut-offs for one population, so cut-offs can differ between groups.

Its method puts the waist at the midpoint between the lower rib and the top of the hip bone, and the hip at the widest part of the buttocks. The form hints follow it.

The WHO report itself was not available to check, so the cut-offs come from the study above.
A ratio ignores overall size, so two people can share a ratio and have very different waists.
Tape position changes the number, so measure the same way each time.

Sources

Assefa M, Tsegaye A, Addissie A, Worku A. Body composition-derived abdominal circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio cut-offs for Ethiopian adults in Northwest Ethiopia, 2023. J Health Popul Nutr. 2024;43:185. Used for: The WHO waist-hip ratio cut-offs as quoted, and how waist and hip were measured.

Sources and math last reviewed: November 4, 2026.

Questions people ask

What is the waist-to-hip ratio?

It is your waist measurement divided by your hip measurement, so a higher ratio means you carry relatively more of your width around the middle.

Why do men and women have different cut-offs?

The WHO values differ by sex, at 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women. The tool applies the cut-off for the sex you choose.

How do I measure my waist and hips?

Stand relaxed with a flexible tape. Measure the waist at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone. Then measure the hips at the widest part of the buttocks, and keep the tape level.

Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?

They measure different things. BMI compares weight with height, while this ratio looks at body shape. Using both, with the waist-to-height ratio, gives a fuller picture.

How often should I measure?

Once every few weeks is plenty. Day-to-day changes in food and water can move a tape reading, so compare trends instead of single readings.

How do I calculate the ratio by hand?

Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement, using the same units. If your waist is 90 cm and your hip is 100 cm, the ratio is 0.90, which sits at the men's cut-off.

These calculators give general estimates for adults and are not medical advice. For decisions about your own health, talk with a doctor or a registered dietitian. How we write and check things