Waist-to-Hip Ratio
{{ ratio.toFixed(2) }}
{{ classification }}
Interpretation

Ratio {{ ratio.toFixed(2) }} is {{ classification }} risk by WHO cut-offs.

Categories: Calculator , Health & Fitness
Export to PDF Fullscreen

Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measures how abdominal girth compares with hip breadth, providing a simple proxy for visceral fat distribution that correlates with cardiometabolic risk. Developed by epidemiologists, it distinguishes central from peripheral adiposity more reliably than body mass index alone.

This calculator accepts your waist and hip circumferences in centimetres or inches plus your sex. It converts any inch values to centimetres, divides the waist value by the hip value, and instantly shows the ratio and its risk category through a numeric badge or animated gauge powered by a reactive engine and charting layer.

Everyday use ranges from personal fitness tracking to workplace wellness checks where fast screening is preferred over lab assessments. This calculator offers informational estimates, not medical advice.

Technical Details:

1. Concept Overview

The waist-to-hip ratio compares abdominal and gluteal circumferences to estimate the distribution of adipose tissue. Central obesity, indicated by higher WHR values, associates with increased risks of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary events. Key variables are waist (W), hip (H), and sex-specific cut-offs published by the World Health Organization (WHO) for adults aged 20-79.

2. Core Equation

WHR= W H
  • W – waist circumference in centimetres.
  • H – hip circumference in centimetres.

3. Interpretation Bands

Sex Low Risk Moderate Risk High Risk
Female < 0.80 0.80 – 0.84 ≥ 0.85
Male < 0.90 0.90 – 0.99 ≥ 1.00

Values in the high-risk column indicate central adiposity linked to substantially elevated cardiometabolic hazard and may warrant professional evaluation.

4. Variables & Parameters

  • waist_value – numeric circumference; accepts decimals.
  • waist_unit – cm or in; inches are converted to centimetres (1 in = 2.54 cm).
  • hip_value – numeric circumference in same units as waist.
  • hip_unit – cm or in.
  • sex – biological sex selector to apply correct WHO thresholds.

5. Worked Example

Example (Female, 80 cm waist, 100 cm hip):

80÷100=0.80

WHR = 0.80 → Moderate risk.

6. Assumptions & Limitations

  • Applies to adults; child or adolescent cut-offs differ.
  • Assumes accurate tape placement at the natural waist and widest hip point.
  • Does not adjust for ethnicity-specific risk variations.
  • Ignores muscularity that may widen hips without health detriment.

7. Edge Cases & Error Sources

  • Waist or hip value recorded as zero or negative.
  • Mixed units (waist in cm, hip in inches) producing distorted ratio.
  • Extremely high values (> 200 cm) may exceed gauge maximum and truncate display.
  • Users with severe obesity (> 1.50 WHR) fall outside validated range.

8. Scientific Validity & References

Guideline thresholds stem from WHO Technical Report Series 894 and cohort studies such as Dobbelsteyn 2001 and Esmaillzadeh 2006, which link WHR to incident cardiovascular disease.

9. Privacy & Compliance

This concept processes anthropometric data only and does not involve personal identifiers, thus falling outside GDPR special-category provisions.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Follow these steps to obtain your waist-to-hip ratio and see the corresponding risk band.

  1. Choose your biological sex from the Sex dropdown.
  2. Enter your waist circumference and select cm or in.
  3. Enter your hip circumference in the same unit.
  4. Review the ratio and coloured risk badge shown instantly.
  5. (Optional) Switch to the Gauge Chart tab for a visual dial.

FAQ:

Is my data stored?

No. All calculations run locally in your browser and disappear when you close the page.

Can I measure over clothing?

Thin, form-fitting clothing introduces minimal error. Loose garments distort readings—measure over light fabric or on skin for accuracy.

Why does sex matter?

Male and female bodies distribute fat differently, so WHO sets separate thresholds to align the ratio with health risk.

How often should I check?

Monthly measurements capture meaningful changes without daily fluctuation noise.

Are the cut-offs universal?

No. Some ethnic groups face higher risk at lower ratios; consult regional guidelines when available.

Glossary:

Visceral Fat
Fat stored within the abdominal cavity around internal organs.
Central Obesity
Body-fat pattern where most adipose tissue accumulates around the waist.
Circumference
Distance around a circular or oval body section measured with a tape.
Cardiometabolic Risk
Probability of developing heart disease or metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
Anthropometry
Science of measuring the size and proportions of the human body.