Waist-Hip Ratio Calculator
Use consistent waist and hip tape measurements for a binary WHO cutoff comparison.
Your Waist-Hip Ratio Result
Result status:
Practical interpretation
Important: Estimate only—not medical advice.
How the Waist-Hip Ratio Calculator works
Formula: Waist-hip ratio = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference.
Equivalent centimeters or inches produce the same ratio. The raw result is classified before display rounding at male ≥ 0.90 and female ≥ 0.85 WHO substantially increased-risk cutoffs.
Assumptions and limits: The WHO thresholds are population screening cutoffs, not diagnoses. Body shape, tape placement, pregnancy, and clinical context affect interpretation; ratios at or above 1 remain valid. Results are estimates for education and planning, not medical advice.
How to use your result
Use the result as a starting point, not a pass-or-fail score. Keep your inputs consistent, observe relevant trends over time, and adjust only when the trend—not one day—shows the estimate does not fit your needs.
Body measurements and equation-based targets always contain uncertainty. If your result conflicts with symptoms, a diagnosis, medication guidance, pregnancy needs, an eating-disorder recovery plan, or instructions from your care team, follow your qualified health professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is waist-hip ratio calculated?
The calculator divides waist circumference by hip circumference after converting both measurements to canonical centimeters.
Where should I place the tape?
Use a level, snug tape. Follow the WHO protocol consistently for waist placement and measure hips around the widest buttock circumference.
What WHO cutoffs are used?
The binary screening comparison uses 0.90 or higher for males and 0.85 or higher for females as substantially increased-risk cutoffs.
How is an exact cutoff classified?
A raw male ratio of exactly 0.90 or female ratio of exactly 0.85 is at the cutoff. Classification happens before rounding the displayed ratio.
Is a waist-hip ratio of 1.00 or higher valid?
Yes. The calculator does not reject ratios at or above 1.00; they remain mathematically valid and are classified against the applicable WHO cutoff.
Can I mix centimeters and inches?
Choose one unit system for both fields. Switching units converts both values atomically so the ratio remains equivalent.
Why is the interpretation binary?
This tool intentionally reports only whether the raw ratio is below or at or above the WHO substantially increased-risk threshold, without inventing extra bands.
Does waist-hip ratio diagnose disease?
No. It is a population-level screening measure and cannot diagnose cardiovascular, metabolic, or other medical conditions.
Scientific References
- Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation World Health Organization
- Obesity: preventing and managing the global epidemic World Health Organization
- Waist-to-hip ratio and risk of myocardial infarction in 27,000 participants The Lancet