Where should I measure waist circumference?

Measure horizontally at the narrowest point of your torso, typically around the navel level. Stand relaxed and breathe normally.

Where should I measure hip circumference?

Measure at the widest point around your buttocks, keeping the tape horizontal and snug but not tight.

What does waist-to-hip ratio indicate?

WHR is a body composition metric that can correlate with health risk. Lower ratios generally suggest a healthier fat distribution pattern.

Why are the risk ranges different for males and females?

Biological differences in typical fat distribution patterns mean different WHR thresholds for males and females according to WHO guidelines.

Is this the only body composition metric I should use?

No. WHR is most useful alongside other metrics like BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference alone.

Is this tool free and private to use?

Yes. AI Fit Hub tools are free, no-signup browser tools. Inputs stay in your browser unless you choose to share a URL.

Methodology: Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

Scope

Computes waist-to-hip ratio and returns the WHO cardiometabolic-risk band.

Formula

WHR = waist_cm / hip_cm

Coefficients

Parameter	Value	Note
Low risk (M)	`<= 0.90`
Moderate (M)	`0.91 – 0.99`
High (M)	`>= 1.00`
Low risk (F)	`<= 0.80`
Moderate (F)	`0.81 – 0.84`
High (F)	`>= 0.85`

Data sources

WHO. Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation. Geneva, 2008. — WHO expert consultation defining the cardiometabolic-risk thresholds the tool returns.
de Koning L, Merchant AT, Pogue J, Anand SS. Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio as predictors of cardiovascular events: meta-regression analysis of prospective studies. Eur Heart J. 2007;28(7):850-856. — PMID 17403720. Meta-analysis comparing WHR with BMI for cardiovascular event prediction.

Assumptions

Waist is measured at the narrowest point between ribs and hip bone; hip is measured at the widest point of the buttocks.

Approximation range

WHR is a stronger predictor of cardiometabolic risk than BMI at the population level.

Limitations

Athletes with developed glutes often sit above the risk threshold despite low body-fat percentage.
Measurement technique differences drive most of the between-source variance.

Reproducibility

Male, waist 88 cm, hip 100 cm. WHR = 0.88. Low risk.

Change log

2026-04-24: methodology page first published.

BMI Calculator — Calculate BMI quickly with a plain-language range explanation and limitations.
Body Fat Percentage Calculator — Estimate body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy circumference method.
Ideal Weight Calculator — Compare Devine, Robinson, Miller, and Hamwi formulas as a realistic range.
FFMI Calculator — Calculate Fat-Free Mass Index to gauge muscularity and compare against natural benchmarks.

Worked example

Computed by the same engine bundle served at /engines/waist-to-hip-ratio-calculator.js. Re-runnable: the values below are the literal output of compute(engineInput).

Input

tool: waist_to_hip_ratio_calculator
waist_cm: 85
hip_cm: 100
sex: male

Output

ratio: 0.85
riskCategory: low
riskDescription: Low risk (WHO guidelines)

FAQ

Where should I measure waist circumference?: Measure horizontally at the narrowest point of your torso, typically around the navel level. Stand relaxed and breathe normally.
Where should I measure hip circumference?: Measure at the widest point around your buttocks, keeping the tape horizontal and snug but not tight.
What does waist-to-hip ratio indicate?: WHR is a body composition metric that can correlate with health risk. Lower ratios generally suggest a healthier fat distribution pattern.
Why are the risk ranges different for males and females?: Biological differences in typical fat distribution patterns mean different WHR thresholds for males and females according to WHO guidelines.
Is this the only body composition metric I should use?: No. WHR is most useful alongside other metrics like BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference alone.
Is this tool free and private to use?: Yes. AI Fit Hub tools are free, no-signup browser tools. Inputs stay in your browser unless you choose to share a URL.