Waist-to-hip ratio = waist ÷ hips. The World Health Organization links a ratio of 0.85 or more in women and 0.90 or more in men with a substantially higher risk of metabolic problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Example: waist 80 cm ÷ hips 100 cm = 0.80 (lower risk for a woman).
Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
How to measure your waist and hips
- Waist: find the midpoint between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone (usually around the belly button). Breathe out normally and measure.
- Hips: measure around the widest part of your bottom, with feet together.
- Keep the tape snug but not tight, and level all the way round.
- Measure twice and use the average.
Waist-to-hip ratio chart
| Risk | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 0.80 or less | 0.95 or less |
| Moderate | 0.81 – 0.85 | 0.96 – 1.0 |
| High | 0.86 or more | 1.0 or more |
WHO (2008): substantially increased risk at 0.85+ (women) and 0.90+ (men).
Waist-to-hip or waist-to-height?
Both measure fat around the middle. In the UK, NICE now recommends the waist-to-height ratio because it uses one simple rule for everyone – keep your waist to less than half your height – and works across ethnic groups. Waist-to-hip ratio is still useful for tracking body shape, and is widely used in research.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good waist-to-hip ratio?
For women, 0.80 or less; for men, 0.95 or less is generally linked with lower risk.
What waist-to-hip ratio is too high?
WHO says risk is substantially increased at 0.85 or above for women and 0.90 or above for men.
Can I lower my waist-to-hip ratio?
Yes. Losing weight usually reduces fat around the waist first, and regular activity helps reduce visceral fat even before the scales move much.
Related tools and guides
About this page
How this tool works
We divide your waist by your hip measurement. Risk bands: women below 0.81 low, 0.81–0.85 moderate, 0.86+ high; men below 0.96 low, 0.96–0.99 moderate, 1.0+ high. The WHO “substantially increased risk” cut-offs are 0.85 (women) and 0.90 (men).
Sources
Medical disclaimer: this tool gives an estimate for adults and is not a diagnosis or medical advice. bmicalculatornhs.net is independent and not affiliated with the NHS. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional about your own health. Full disclaimer.