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Ratio {{ (+ratio).toFixed(Math.max(0, Math.floor(+decimals||0))) }} indicates {{ classification }} risk by {{ use_custom ? 'Custom' : 'WHO' }} cut‑offs.
Waist to hip ratio is a simple indicator of body fat distribution and central adiposity. It helps you understand whether more fat is carried around the waist compared with the hips, a pattern often linked with higher cardiometabolic risk. Many clinicians use this measure alongside weight and height based indices to add context.
You enter waist and hip circumferences and choose units, then the ratio is calculated and placed into a sex specific band that describes relative risk. A typical use is tracking changes after training or diet adjustments, since the number can shift even when weight changes slowly. One example is a waist of 80 to hip of 100 which yields a ratio of 0.80 and sits near the moderate band for women, so small measurement errors can change the label.
Measure consistently at standard landmarks and relax the abdomen for a natural exhale so the tape sits level. For the waist use the midpoint between the lower rib and the top of the hip bone, and for the hip use the widest part of the buttocks keeping the tape parallel to the floor. Repeating the measure twice and averaging can reduce noise.
Results guide conversations and everyday choices, not diagnoses. This tool provides informational estimates and does not substitute professional advice.
The quantity measured is the waist to hip ratio, abbreviated WHR. Inputs are circumferences of waist and hip reported in centimetres or inches. The computation is a snapshot that compares two girth measures taken at standard landmarks after a normal exhale.
The index is calculated by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference. A larger value indicates more central fat relative to hip girth. Interpretation uses three bands labeled Low, Moderate, and High, with thresholds that differ by sex. Custom cutoffs can replace the defaults when a specific study or protocol is preferred.
Values near band borders deserve caution, since small tape placement shifts or rounding choices can move a result from one band to the next. Comparisons are most valid within the same person over time using the same method and unit choice.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit/Datatype | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| W | Waist circumference at midpoint between lower rib and iliac crest after normal exhale | cm or in | Input |
| H | Hip circumference at widest buttock level, tape parallel to floor | cm or in | Input |
| r | Waist to hip ratio | Number | Derived |
For a woman, 0.80 sits at the border of Moderate risk; a small change may shift the band.
| Sex | Threshold Band | Lower Bound | Upper Bound | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Low | 0 | < 0.90 | Lower central adiposity pattern |
| Male | Moderate | 0.90 | < 1.00 | Intermediate pattern |
| Male | High | ≥ 1.00 | — | Higher central adiposity pattern |
| Female | Low | 0 | < 0.80 | Lower central adiposity pattern |
| Female | Moderate | 0.80 | < 0.85 | Intermediate pattern |
| Female | High | ≥ 0.85 | — | Higher central adiposity pattern |
| Field | Type | Min | Max | Step/Pattern | Error Text |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist circumference | Number | 0 | — | native number | — |
| Hip circumference | Number | 0 | — | native number | — |
| Sex | Male or Female | — | — | select | — |
| Rounding (decimals) | Integer | 0 | 4 | step 1 | — |
| Use custom cutoffs | Boolean | — | — | switch | — |
| Custom cutoff A | Number | 0 | — | step 0.01 | — |
| Custom cutoff B | Number | 0 | — | step 0.01 | — |
I/O summary. Inputs are two numeric girths and one sex selection; outputs are the ratio, a band label, a table summary, a gauge, and optional CSV or JSON downloads. Identical inputs yield identical outputs.
Units and rounding. The decimal separator is a dot. Conversions to centimetres use one decimal in displays. The ratio display follows the selected decimal count.
Privacy & compliance. Processing occurs on the device; no data is transmitted or stored server side. Health related outputs are informational only.
Measure waist and hip, then interpret the waist to hip ratio against the appropriate band.
Example: Sex = Female, Waist = 80 cm, Hip = 100 cm, Decimals = 2 → WHR 0.80, Moderate band.
No. Calculations occur on your device and no measurements are sent to a server.
Use local device security when saving CSV or JSON.Accuracy depends on tape placement, relaxation, and unit choice. Repeat measures and average for stability near band borders.
Centimetres and inches are accepted. Inputs in inches are converted to centimetres before computing the ratio.
Yes. Turn on custom cutoffs and set A and B where A is the Low to Moderate border and B is the Moderate to High border.
It is close to a threshold. Recheck placement and repeat the measures. Small differences can switch the band label.
Yes after the page is loaded. The computation itself does not require a network connection.
The calculator is provided for informational use. Check the site’s terms for licensing details.
Tip Take two readings for each site and average to smooth hand variation.
Tip Record the same time of day to improve comparability across weeks.
Tip Keep the tape horizontal in a mirror to reduce tilt error.
Tip Use centimetres when possible to reduce rounding jumps near borders.
Tip Track the same landmarks across sessions for consistent W and H.
Tip Add notes about training or diet changes alongside each entry.