Body Shape Calculator

Measure your waist, hips and height to see the ratios that describe your shape and how they compare with health cut-offs.

For information only, not medical advice. These ratios are screening measures for adults, not a diagnosis.

Sex

The cut-offs differ for women and men.

Measured in

At the narrowest point, or just above the navel, breathing out normally.

Around the widest part of the buttocks.

Without shoes, in the same unit.

Free, no signup. Everything is worked out in your browser and nothing you type is sent to us.

Waist-to-hip ratio

Shape tells you more than weight

Two people can weigh the same and carry their weight very differently. Fat stored around the waist is linked to higher health risks than fat on the hips and thighs, which is why doctors often look at waist measurements, not just weight or BMI.

This body shape calculator works out the two ratios used most: waist-to-hip and waist-to-height. It compares your waist-to-hip ratio with the World Health Organization cut-off and your waist size with the NIH cut-off. It sticks to measurements and leaves out fruit shaped labels, since those have no agreed definition.

How to measure and use it

  1. Stand relaxed, feet together, with a soft tape level all the way round and snug but not tight.
  2. Waist: at the narrowest point, or just above the navel if there is no clear narrowing. Breathe out normally.
  3. Hip: around the widest part of the buttocks. Height: without shoes.
  4. Choose your sex and unit, enter the three numbers, and read the ratios and how they compare.

The ratios

waist-to-hip ratio = waist ÷ hip
waist-to-height ratio = waist ÷ height

The WHO expert consultation on waist circumference lists a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.90 or more for men, and 0.85 or more for women, as substantially increased risk. The NIH flags a waist size of more than 40 inches (101.6 cm) for men and 35 inches (88.9 cm) for women as linked to obesity related health problems.

Worked example: waist 80 cm, hip 100 cm, height 165 cm

  • Waist-to-hip ratio: 80 ÷ 100 = 0.80
  • Compared with the WHO cut-off: Below the WHO cut-off of 0.85 for women
  • Waist-to-height ratio: 80 ÷ 165 = 0.48
  • Waist size: 80 cm, under 88.9 cm

For this woman, the waist-to-hip ratio is 0.80 and the waist-to-height ratio is 0.48. Both the ratio and the waist size are under the published cut-offs.

The cut-offs at a glance

Published adult cut-offs
MeasureWomenMenSource
Waist-to-hip ratio0.85 or more0.90 or moreWHO
Waist sizeMore than 35 in (88.9 cm)More than 40 in (101.6 cm)NIH

Cut-offs can differ for some ethnic groups, and they are screening lines, not diagnoses. A measure above a line is a reason to talk to a doctor, not a verdict.

Measuring well

Small changes in where the tape sits make a big difference to a ratio, so consistency matters more than perfection. Measure on bare skin or thin clothing, keep the tape level all the way round, and do not pull it tight enough to press into the skin. Take each measurement twice and use the average if they differ.

Other views of your body

  • The BMI calculator compares weight with height.
  • The body fat calculator estimates the share of your weight that is fat, from similar tape measurements.
  • Measure at the same time of day each time, so changes reflect you rather than your breakfast.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate my waist-to-hip ratio?

Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement, using the same unit for both. A waist of 80 cm and hips of 100 cm give a ratio of 0.80. Enter both numbers above and the calculator also compares the result with the World Health Organization cut-off for your sex.

What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?

The World Health Organization treats 0.90 or more in men, and 0.85 or more in women, as substantially increased risk. A ratio below those lines is generally better. The ratio is one screening measure among several, so a doctor will look at it together with other checks.

Why does this calculator not tell me my body shape name?

Labels such as apple or pear are popular, but there is no agreed definition of where one shape ends and another begins, and they say little about health. The ratios and waist size here come with published cut-offs, which makes them more useful than a label.

What is the waist-to-height ratio?

It is your waist measurement divided by your height. Because taller people naturally have larger waists, it adjusts the waist for body size. Many researchers use it as a simple screening measure. A lower ratio means less weight carried around the middle for your height.

Related calculators

  • BMI CalculatorBody mass index for adults, the CDC weight category, and the healthy weight range for your height.
  • Body Fat CalculatorBody fat percentage from a tape measure (US Navy method), with a BMI based estimate.
  • Ideal Weight CalculatorIdeal body weight for your height by three well-known formulas, next to the healthy BMI range.
  • BMI Chart and Healthy BMI RangeAdult BMI chart in pounds and kilograms, with the healthy weight range for any height.
  • Bra Size CalculatorA starting bra size in US and UK letters from two tape measurements, with sister sizes.

See all free calculators

More free tools from CloveDesk

CloveDesk gives freelancers and small teams one place for quotes, e-signatures, invoices, files and a portal for each client.

Try CloveDesk free

Last updated: