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Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator

Divide your waist circumference by your height, using the same units for both. A result under 0.5 is the widely used target — keep your waist below half your height. For someone 175 cm tall that means a waist under about 88 cm. Ratios above 0.53 suggest increased cardiometabolic risk.

What is Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator?

Waist-to-height ratio captures abdominal fat, the distribution most strongly linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Body mass index cannot tell fat from muscle, nor where it sits.

Studies comparing the two have repeatedly found waist-to-height ratio to be the better predictor of cardiometabolic risk, and it needs only a tape measure.

The practical rule is memorable and needs no calculator at all: your waist should measure less than half your height.

How to use this calculator

  1. Measure your waist at the navel, tape snug but not digging in.
  2. Measure your height without shoes.
  3. Use the same units for both.
  4. Compare against the 0.5 boundary and check the waist target shown below.
How waist-to-height ratio is calculated▾

Measure waist at the navel, standing relaxed, after breathing out normally. Divide by your height in the same units. The commonly used boundaries are 0.43 (slim), 0.50 (take action) and 0.58 (substantially increased risk). Unlike BMI, the same thresholds work across sexes and most ethnic groups.

WHtR = waist circumference ÷ height

Boundaries:
  below 0.43  slim
  0.43–0.52   healthy
  0.53–0.57   increased risk
  above 0.58  substantially increased risk

Source: Ashwell & Gibson boundary values; NICE guidance on waist measurement.

Frequently asked questions

Is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?▾

For predicting cardiometabolic risk, several large studies say yes. It reflects fat distribution rather than total mass, and it does not misclassify muscular people the way BMI does.

What is a good waist-to-height ratio?▾

Below 0.5 is the standard target. Under 0.43 is considered slim; above 0.58 indicates substantially raised risk.

Does the target differ between men and women?▾

Broadly no — the same 0.5 boundary is used for both, which is one of the measure's advantages over some other indices.

How do I reduce my ratio?▾

There is no spot reduction, but overall fat loss shrinks waist circumference disproportionately fast for most people. A sustained calorie deficit plus resistance training works best.

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References & method

  • Ashwell & Gibson boundary values; NICE guidance on waist measurement.

Every formula, its published source and its assumptions are listed on our methodology page. This page is written for information and has not been reviewed by a clinician.

Read the methodology →

These figures are estimates from population formulas, not medical advice. Individual needs vary. If you are pregnant, managing a medical condition, or under 18, talk to a doctor before changing your diet.