Waist-Hip Ratio: What Two Measurements Can Tell You
Two tape measurements turn into one handy number. This guide explains what the ratio means and why it is only part of the picture.
What is the Waist-Hip Ratio Calculator?
Enter your waist and hip measurements and the tool divides one by the other to give a single ratio. The result is grouped into a broad band so you can see where it sits at a glance. This is a general wellness figure, not a diagnosis, and it works best alongside other health measures.
How to use it
- Measure your waist at the narrowest point and your hips at the widest point.
- Enter both measurements in centimetres.
- Choose the band set you want to compare against.
- Click Calculate Ratio.
Worked example
Waist 80 cm and hips 100 cm give a ratio of 0.80, in the middle band for the female band set.
Is a waist-hip ratio of 0.80 high?
For the female band set used here, 0.80 sits at the start of the middle band, not the higher band. Bands differ by sex, so always check which set you are using.
Frequently asked questions
Should I measure over clothes?
No, measure over bare skin or light clothing with the tape level and snug, not tight, for a steadier reading.
Does this replace a doctor's check?
No. It is a simple shape indicator only and cannot diagnose any condition.