Enter your waist measurement and hip measurement along with your sex to calculate your Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR). Your result is compared against WHO health risk thresholds — Low, Moderate, High, or Very High — so you can understand your body fat distribution and potential health risks at a glance.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
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Health Risk Level
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Body Shape
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The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple measure of how body fat is distributed around your abdomen relative to your hips. It is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference. Because excess fat around the waist surrounds vital organs and is linked to greater health risks, WHR is widely used as an indicator of cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Research shows that people with 'apple-shaped' bodies — more weight concentrated around the waist — face higher risks of conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome compared to those with 'pear-shaped' bodies who carry weight around the hips. WHR can sometimes be a better predictor of health risk than BMI alone, since BMI does not account for fat distribution.
Simply divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference: WHR = Waist ÷ Hip. For example, if your waist is 75 cm and your hips are 95 cm, your WHR is 75 ÷ 95 = 0.79. Both measurements must be in the same unit (cm or inches).
According to WHO guidelines, a healthy WHR is below 0.85 for women and below 0.90 for men. Values at or above these thresholds indicate increased abdominal fat and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Ratios at or above 0.90 for women and 1.00 for men are associated with very high health risk.
For your waist, stand relaxed and measure at the narrowest point between your lower ribs and your hip bones, typically just above the navel, after exhaling gently. For your hips, measure at the widest point of your buttocks. Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor and snug but not compressing the skin.
For women, a WHR of 0.85 sits right at the boundary between moderate and high risk according to WHO classifications. Values below 0.80 are considered low risk, 0.80–0.84 moderate risk, 0.85–0.89 high risk, and 0.90 or above very high risk. So 0.85 signals it may be worth discussing lifestyle changes with a healthcare professional.
An 'apple' shape means you carry more fat around your abdomen (higher WHR), which is associated with greater health risks including heart disease and diabetes. A 'pear' shape means fat is distributed more around the hips and thighs (lower WHR), which generally carries lower cardiovascular risk. Body shape is influenced by genetics, hormones, and lifestyle factors.
No. WHR is a useful screening tool but it cannot replace a full medical evaluation. Factors such as muscle mass, bone structure, age, and ethnic background can all affect how WHR should be interpreted. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns about your weight or health risks.