measured at the narrowest point, around the navel
measured at the widest point of the buttocks
0 waist-to-hip ratio
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Health risk (WHO)
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Body shape
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Waist
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Hip
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) = waist ÷ hip. The WHO links a higher WHR to greater risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes. Risk bands: men — low ≤0.95, moderate 0.96–1.00, high >1.00; women — low ≤0.80, moderate 0.81–0.85, high >0.85.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my waist and hips?
Measure your waist at its narrowest point (usually just above the navel) and your hips at the widest part of your buttocks, keeping the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin. Use the same unit for both.
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
The WHO considers a ratio of 0.95 or below low-risk for men and 0.80 or below low-risk for women. Higher ratios indicate more abdominal (visceral) fat, which raises the risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes.
Is WHR better than BMI?
WHR captures where fat is stored rather than just total weight, so it can flag abdominal-fat risk that BMI misses. Many clinicians use both together along with waist circumference.
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and see the WHO health-risk band and body-shape type from your waist and hip measurements.