Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-height ratio and assess cardiometabolic risk. Uses the universal 0.5 threshold validated across ethnicities. Free, instant results.
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Disclaimer: Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance.
The 'Keep Your Waist to Half Your Height' Rule
Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) = waist circumference ÷ height. The universal threshold of 0.5, proposed by Ashwell and Hsieh (2005), is now supported by extensive meta-analysis evidence. Unlike BMI, WHtR directly captures central adiposity — the visceral fat accumulation around abdominal organs that drives metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk. The 0.5 threshold appears to hold across different ages, sexes, and ethnic groups, making it one of the most practical single measures of metabolic health.
Risk Categories
| WHtR | Risk Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| < 0.40 | Very low | Possibly underweight |
| 0.40–0.49 | Low | Healthy range |
| 0.50–0.59 | Moderate | Increased risk |
| ≥ 0.60 | High | Substantially elevated risk |
FAQs
Healthy WHtR threshold?
Below 0.5 — "keep your waist to less than half your height." This applies across ages, sexes, and ethnicities (Ashwell & Hsieh, 2005).
Better than BMI?
Yes, for cardiometabolic risk. 2012 meta-analysis (31 studies): WHtR was the best single predictor of cardiovascular risk factors, outperforming BMI and waist circumference alone.