What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?

The World Health Organization generally considers a WHR of 0.90 or below low risk for men, and 0.80 or below low risk for women. Higher ratios are associated with more fat carried around the waist, which research links to greater cardiovascular risk.

Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?

They measure different things. BMI compares weight to height, while WHR looks at where fat is distributed. Some research suggests WHR is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk than BMI alone, since abdominal fat carries more risk than fat carried elsewhere.

Waist-to-hip ratio calculator

Compares your waist and hip measurements to estimate cardiovascular risk from fat distribution.

Waist (in)

Hips (in)

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WHO scale: Men — 0.90 or below is low risk, 0.91–0.95 moderate, 0.96+ high. Women — 0.80 or below is low risk, 0.81–0.85 moderate, 0.86+ high.

How this is calculated

Divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference to get WHR. Measure your waist at the narrowest point (usually just above the belly button) and your hips at their widest point, both without holding your breath in.

These thresholds come from WHO data drawn mainly from European and North American populations; some researchers recommend lower cutoffs for South Asian and East Asian populations.
Pair this with BMI or body fat % for a fuller picture.

WHR is a screening estimate, not a diagnosis. Talk to a healthcare provider for a full cardiovascular risk assessment.

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