Online waist to hip ratio calculator

Apples and tape measure

An online tool for calculating your waist to hip ratio (WHR).

Waist to hip ratio (WHR)

As we put on weight we store some of it around our middle, particularly in men and post-menopausal women who tend to be apple shaped.  The fat stored around our mid-section increases our risk of obesity related conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and breast and bowel cancers.

How to do the measurements

In no or minimal clothing, first thing in the morning, stand with your feet flat on the ground, shoulder width apart, breath out but don’t suck your stomach in and using a tape measure which isn’t old and stretchy, put the tape at the following two points without pulling it so tight that you can’t fit a finger under the tape:

  • Waist circumference:  the point half way between your bottom rib and top of your hip bone, the iliac crest and
  • Hip circumference:  at your widest point where your buttocks stick out

It can be a little tricky to measure accurately, so take the measurements three times and average them.  Now plug the results into the calculator below:

Calculate your waist to hip ratio:

What does this mean?  Check out your ratio on this table:

If your WHR is:You are classified as having:
For women
Less than 0.85a healthy waist to hip ratio and a reduced risk of developing a chronic condition
Greater than 0.85too much fat stored around your waist and at high risk of developing a chronic condition, fat loss is recommended
For men
Less than 0.90a healthy waist to hip ratio and a reduced risk of developing a chronic condition
Greater than 0.90too much fat stored around your waist and at high risk of developing a chronic condition, fat loss is recommended

If your HWR you have too much fat stored around your waist then it’s time to work on your lifestyle as you’re at higher risk of developing chronic health conditions.

Need help to improve your waist to hip ratio?  Contact Dale for coaching now!