Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Enter your waist circumference and height to calculate your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and see its associated risk category.
Your calculation is performed in your browser.This result is an estimate for informational and educational purposes. It isn’t a diagnosis and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor, registered dietitian, or other qualified professional. See our methodology and sources for the formula used and its limitations.
How it works
Waist-to-height ratio divides waist circumference by height, giving a simple measure that some research suggests is a better indicator of central (abdominal) fat-related health risk than BMI alone, since it accounts for body shape.
Formula & methodology
Waist and height must use the same unit (both cm or both inches). A ratio below 0.5 is the commonly used healthy benchmark, which is the same as keeping your waist under half your height.
WHtR = Waist circumference ÷ HeightWhat each term means
- Waist
- Waist circumference.
- Height
- Standing height, in the same unit as the waist.
WHtR categories
| Ratio | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 0.5 | Healthy |
| 0.5 – 0.59 | Increased risk |
| 0.6 and above | High risk |
Worked example
A waist of 85 cm and height of 175 cm gives a WHtR of 0.49, in the "Healthy" range.
Common uses
- —Screening for central (abdominal) fat-related health risk alongside BMI.
- —Checking your waist against the widely cited “half your height” guideline.
- —Tracking body shape changes during a weight loss program that BMI alone wouldn’t show.
Important notes
- —A widely cited rule of thumb is "keep your waist to less than half your height" — this calculator applies that same 0.5 threshold.
- —WHtR focuses on abdominal fat distribution and complements, rather than replaces, BMI.