# What is my waist to hip ratio?

Divides your waist circumference by your hip circumference and compares the waist-to-hip ratio with the WHO cut-offs for increased metabolic risk (0.90 for men, 0.85 for women).

- Page: https://www.acalculator.org/health/waist-to-hip-ratio-calculator
- JSON spec: https://www.acalculator.org/health/waist-to-hip-ratio-calculator.json
- Version: f8f5b5d87d6f

## Default answer

Example with the default inputs (Sex Female, Waist 30 in, Hips 38 in): A 30 in waist and 38 in hips give a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.789: Below the WHO cut-off for increased risk.

## Inputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| sex | Sex | The WHO cut-off differs for women (0.85) and men (0.90). |
| w | Waist | Around your waist, midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone. |
| h | Hips | Around the widest part of your buttocks. |

## Outputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ratio | Waist-to-hip ratio | Waist ÷ hips. |
| risk | WHO verdict for your sex | Substantially increased risk at or above the cut-off for your sex. |
| cutoff | WHO cut-off for your sex | 0.85 for women, 0.90 for men. |

## Method

Waist-to-hip ratio = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference; increased risk at ≥ 0.85 (women) or ≥ 0.90 (men).

## Assumptions

- Both measurements use the same tape method: the waist midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone, the hips at the widest part of the buttocks (WHO protocol).
- The cut-offs are the WHO adult cut-offs; they are not meant for children or pregnancy.

## Worked examples

1. sex = female, w = 0.8636, h = 1.016 gives ratio = 0.85, cutoff = 0.85, risk = Substantially increased risk of metabolic complications. Source: WHO, Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation, Geneva, 8–11 December 2008 (substantially increased risk: waist-hip ratio ≥ 0.90 for men, ≥ 0.85 for women), https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241501491.
2. sex = male, w = 0.86, h = 1 gives ratio = 0.86, cutoff = 0.9, risk = Below the WHO cut-off for increased risk. Source: WHO, Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation, Geneva, 8–11 December 2008 (substantially increased risk: waist-hip ratio ≥ 0.90 for men, ≥ 0.85 for women), https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241501491.
3. sex = male, w = 0.9144, h = 1.016 gives ratio = 0.9, risk = Substantially increased risk of metabolic complications. Source: WHO, Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation, Geneva, 8–11 December 2008 (substantially increased risk: waist-hip ratio ≥ 0.90 for men, ≥ 0.85 for women), https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241501491.
4. sex = female, w = 0.762, h = 0.9652 gives ratio = 0.789474, risk = Below the WHO cut-off for increased risk. Source: WHO, Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation, Geneva, 8–11 December 2008 (substantially increased risk: waist-hip ratio ≥ 0.90 for men, ≥ 0.85 for women), https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241501491.

## FAQ

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

Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement, both in the same unit. A 34 in waist and 40 in hips give 34 ÷ 40 = 0.85.

### What is a healthy waist to hip ratio?

The WHO expert consultation of 2008 marks a substantially increased risk of metabolic complications at a ratio of 0.90 or more for men and 0.85 or more for women. Below those values is below the cut-off.

### How do I measure my waist and hips?

Stand relaxed and breathe out gently. Measure the waist midway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone, and the hips around the widest part of your buttocks. Keep the tape level and snug, not tight.

### Is the waist to hip ratio better than BMI?

It measures something different. BMI looks at weight for height; the waist to hip ratio looks at where fat is carried. Fat around the waist is linked with heart disease and type 2 diabetes, which is why the WHO looked at waist measures alongside BMI.

### Why are the cut-offs different for men and women?

Men and women carry fat differently: women tend to have wider hips for the same waist. So the same ratio means a different risk, and the WHO gives 0.85 for women and 0.90 for men.

### Can I use inches or centimetres?

Either, as long as you can read both from the same tape; the page converts as you type. The ratio has no unit, so 86 cm ÷ 100 cm and 33.9 in ÷ 39.4 in give the same answer.

## Sources

- World Health Organization (2011). Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation, Geneva, 8–11 December 2008. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241501491 (retrieved 2026-10-01)