Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple measure of where your body stores fat, and it’s linked in research to cardiovascular risk independent of overall weight. Measure your waist at its narrowest point and your hips at their widest point, in the same units.
Reference ranges: based on World Health Organization waist-to-hip ratio risk categories. This tool estimates a general population risk category, not your individual cardiovascular risk — that depends on many factors your doctor can assess together. See our medical disclaimer.
Why waist-to-hip ratio matters beyond BMI
Body mass index (BMI) doesn't distinguish between fat stored around the abdomen ("apple" shaped) and fat stored around the hips and thighs ("pear" shaped) — yet research links abdominal fat distribution more closely to cardiovascular and metabolic risk than total body weight alone. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio are all body-shape metrics used alongside BMI for a fuller picture of body composition and health risk.
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Frequently asked questions
Is waist-to-hip ratio more accurate than BMI?
They measure different things — BMI estimates overall body size relative to height, while WHR estimates fat distribution. Some research suggests WHR is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk than BMI alone, but most clinicians use both metrics together rather than replacing one with the other.
Where exactly should I measure my waist and hips?
Measure your waist at its narrowest point, usually just above the belly button, after exhaling normally. Measure your hips at the widest point around your buttocks. Keep the tape measure snug but not compressing the skin.
What is considered a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
The World Health Organization references a WHR below 0.90 for men and below 0.80 for women as lower relative risk, with risk increasing above those thresholds. These are population-level reference ranges, not individual diagnostic cutoffs.