Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and see your cardiovascular disease risk based on WHO guidelines.
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) compares the circumference of your waist to your hips and is used as an indicator of visceral fat and associated health risks. WHR is considered a better predictor of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes than BMI alone because it specifically measures abdominal fat distribution. People who carry more fat around their midsection ("apple shape") face higher metabolic risks than those who carry fat around the hips and thighs ("pear shape").
Measure your waist at the narrowest point (typically at the navel) and your hips at the widest point of the buttocks. Enter both measurements and select your sex. The calculator shows your WHR and categorizes your health risk level. Pair this with the Body Fat Calculator and BMI Calculator for a comprehensive picture.
The WHO defines substantially increased risk as WHR above 0.90 for men and above 0.85 for women. Men: Below 0.90 is low risk; 0.90-0.99 is moderate risk; 1.00+ is high risk. Women: Below 0.80 is low risk; 0.80-0.85 is moderate risk; above 0.85 is high risk. These thresholds reflect the strong association between abdominal fat and metabolic syndrome, which includes elevated blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol.
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measures the distribution of body fat. Central obesity (excess fat around the abdomen) is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome than BMI alone. The World Health Organization defines abdominal obesity as WHR above 0.90 for men and above 0.85 for women. A large-scale study (INTERHEART, published in The Lancet) found that WHR was a stronger predictor of heart attack risk than BMI across all ethnic groups and both sexes.
Body fat distribution is influenced by genetics, hormones, age, and sex. Men tend to accumulate visceral fat (around internal organs in the abdomen), which is more metabolically active and harmful than subcutaneous fat. Women tend to store fat in the hips and thighs (gynoid distribution) until menopause, after which fat redistribution toward the abdomen increases cardiovascular risk. Visceral fat produces inflammatory cytokines and is strongly associated with insulin resistance.
For accurate measurement, use a flexible tape measure. Measure waist circumference at the narrowest point between the lower ribs and the iliac crest (hip bone), typically at the navel level. Measure hip circumference at the widest point of the buttocks. Stand with feet together, relax the abdomen (do not suck in), and take measurements at the end of a normal exhale. Take two measurements and average them. The Ideal Weight Calculator and BMI Calculator provide additional body composition perspectives.
Where you carry fat matters more than how much you weigh. Fat stored around your midsection (visceral fat) is metabolically active and strongly linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Fat on your hips and thighs is less dangerous. Your waist-to-hip ratio captures this distribution in a single number.
WHO guidelines consider a ratio above 0.90 for men or 0.85 for women to indicate substantially increased metabolic risk. This calculator computes your ratio and compares it to these thresholds. For a fuller picture of body composition, combine this with your BMI and body fat percentage.