Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator
Assess your body fat distribution and health risk
Calculate Your WHR
Measure at narrowest point, above belly button
Measure at widest point around buttocks
Your Results
Excellent! Low risk of cardiovascular disease and other health issues.
📏 Quick Answer
Your waist-to-hip ratio is 0.80, which is considered low risk for men. For men, a ratio below 0.90 is considered healthy.
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian
15+ years experience
PhD from Yale University. Published mathematical historian ensuring precision in all calculations.
Education
PhD in Mathematical History - Yale University
📑 Table of Contents
🤔 What is Waist-to-Hip Ratio?
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is a measurement that compares the size of your waist to your hips. It's used to assess body fat distribution and associated health risks.
Formula
WHR = Waist Circumference ÷ Hip Circumference
Why WHR Matters
- Better than BMI: WHR considers where fat is stored, not just total weight
- Predicts Health Risk: Abdominal fat is more dangerous than hip/thigh fat
- Simple to Measure: Only requires a tape measure
📏 How to Measure Correctly
Waist Measurement
- 1. Stand relaxed with feet together
- 2. Find the narrowest point of your torso
- 3. Usually just above belly button
- 4. Wrap tape measure around waist
- 5. Keep tape parallel to floor
- 6. Don't suck in your stomach
- 7. Tape should be snug but not tight
Hip Measurement
- 1. Stand with feet together
- 2. Find the widest part of your hips
- 3. Usually around the buttocks
- 4. Wrap tape measure around hips
- 5. Keep tape parallel to floor
- 6. Make sure tape is level all around
- 7. Record measurement at widest point
📊 Healthy WHR Ranges
Men
Women
⚠️ Health Risks of High WHR
A high waist-to-hip ratio indicates more abdominal (visceral) fat, which surrounds internal organs and is associated with increased risk of:
- • Heart disease
- • Type 2 diabetes
- • Stroke
- • High blood pressure
- • Certain cancers
- • Sleep apnea
- • Metabolic syndrome
- • Fatty liver disease
💪 How to Improve Your WHR
Cardiovascular Exercise
30+ minutes of aerobic activity most days helps burn abdominal fat.
Strength Training
Building muscle increases metabolism and helps burn fat.
Reduce Sugar & Refined Carbs
These foods promote abdominal fat storage.
Manage Stress
Cortisol promotes belly fat. Practice stress reduction.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
For men, a WHR of 0.9 or less is considered low risk. For women, a WHR of 0.8 or less is considered low risk.
Why is waist-to-hip ratio important?
WHR is a better indicator of health risk than BMI because it measures where fat is stored. Abdominal fat is more dangerous than fat stored in hips and thighs.
How do I measure my waist correctly?
Stand relaxed and measure your waist at the narrowest point, typically just above your belly button. Don't suck in your stomach.
Is WHR better than BMI?
WHR complements BMI by providing information about fat distribution. Both metrics together give a more complete picture of health risk than either alone.
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Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian | PhD from Yale
Dr. Lawrence is a published mathematical historian with a PhD from Yale University. She ensures mathematical precision and accuracy in all our calculations, conversions, and academic score calculators. Her expertise spans computational mathematics and educational assessment.
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