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Body Composition

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator (WHR)

Assess your cardiovascular risk based on body fat distribution using your waist and hip measurements.

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Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Assess cardiovascular risk based on body fat distribution
♂ Male
♀ Female
Enter measurements to assess risk

Medical disclaimer. This calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, diet, exercise, or medication decisions. Read full disclaimer →

About Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is calculated by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference. It is a better predictor of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome risk than BMI because it specifically measures abdominal (visceral) fat distribution. Visceral fat surrounds internal organs and is metabolically active, releasing inflammatory markers and fatty acids directly into the portal circulation.

WHO risk thresholds: Men - Low risk below 0.95, Moderate 0.96-1.0, High above 1.0; Women - Low risk below 0.80, Moderate 0.81-0.85, High above 0.85. Measure waist at the narrowest point between ribs and hip bone. Measure hips at the widest point across the buttocks. Apple-shaped body types with high WHR carry significantly higher risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease compared to pear-shaped (low WHR) body types with the same BMI.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHR is calculated by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference (waist ÷ hip). Measure your waist at its narrowest point, generally between the ribs and hip bone, and your hips at their widest point across the buttocks, then enter both measurements in the same unit.
WHR specifically measures abdominal (visceral) fat distribution rather than just overall body size. Visceral fat surrounds internal organs and is metabolically active, releasing inflammatory markers and fatty acids directly into circulation, which is why WHR can flag cardiovascular and metabolic risk that BMI alone might miss, particularly in people of normal weight but with central fat accumulation.
Apple-shaped bodies carry more fat around the abdomen (higher WHR), while pear-shaped bodies carry more fat around the hips and thighs (lower WHR). This calculator's risk category is based on where your WHR falls, with a healthy target generally below 0.90 for men and below 0.80 for women, since apple-shaped fat distribution is associated with meaningfully higher risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease even at the same BMI as a pear-shaped body.
Yes. Because men and women naturally carry and distribute body fat differently, this calculator uses gender-specific risk thresholds. Select your gender before calculating so your WHR is compared against the appropriate reference range.
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