Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio and assess your abdominal obesity risk. WHO-based thresholds with evidence-based guidance. Free, instant results.
All calculations run instantly in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
Disclaimer: Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance.
Why Fat Distribution Matters More Than Weight
Not all body fat carries the same health risk. Subcutaneous fat (stored under the skin, in the hips and thighs) is relatively metabolically inert. Visceral fat (stored around the abdominal organs) is metabolically active, secreting inflammatory cytokines and hormones that directly contribute to insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Waist-to-hip ratio is one of the best non-invasive proxies for visceral fat accumulation.
WHO Risk Categories
| Risk | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Low risk | < 0.90 | < 0.80 |
| Moderate risk | 0.90–0.99 | 0.80–0.84 |
| High risk | ≥ 1.00 | ≥ 0.85 |
FAQs
Healthy WHR range?
Men: below 0.90. Women: below 0.85. Above these = abdominal obesity and elevated metabolic risk (WHO).
Is WHR better than BMI?
Generally yes for cardiovascular risk. INTERHEART study (2005): WHR stronger predictor of heart attack than BMI across 52 countries.