Want to know how your body fat is distributed? Try our Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator is a simple, yet effective, health metric used to measure body fat distribution and assess obesity-related health risks.
Men and women should keep their waist circumference, no more than half their height. A ratio of 0.5 or lower is often considered healthy, indicating that your waist circumference is less than half your height.
How to measure waist-height (WHtR)ratio?
- Place the tape measure directly on your skin.
- Measure your waist by placing the tape horizontally halfway between your lowest rib and the top of your hipbone (in inches or centimeters).
- Hold the tape lightly, so as to not compress it. Breathe out normally and take the measurement.
- Measure your correct height by standing erect (in inches or centimeters).
- Enter both values into our calculator.
- Get instant results and find out if your ratio is within the healthy range.
Why Waist to Height Calculation Matters?
- Research shows that WHtR is more accurate than Body Mass Index (BMI)(2✔). when it comes to predicting risks related to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.
- Waist to height ratio can be obtained by dividing waist size by height:
Waist-to-Height Ratio = Waist circumference / Height
By entering your waist measurement and height, the calculator categorizes your body weight into one of four categories:
- Underweight
- Healthy weight
- Overweight
- Obese
WHtR vs. BMI: Which Is Better?
While BMI has been widely used, it doesn't account for muscle mass, fat distribution, or body shape. WHtR, on the other hand, directly considers abdominal fat—a major risk factor for many diseases. That's why many health experts now recommend WHtR as a more reliable tool.
WHtR Health Risk Categories?
- WHtR below 0.4: Underweight
- WHtR 0.4 to 0.49: Healthy weight
- WHtR 0.5 to 0.59: Increased risk (overweight)
- WHtR 0.6 and above: High risk (Obese)
Waist Circumference is considered a risk factor for heart disease, irrespective of height and build, in the following cases:
- Men: Waist Circumference over 94 cm (approx. 37 inches)
- Women: Waist Circumference Over 80 cm (approx. 31.5 inches)
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Frequently Asked Questions About WHtR
1. Is WHtR accurate for all body types?
Yes, WHtR is effective across different ages, genders, and ethnicities.
2. How is ‘Waist to Height ratio’ different from 'Waist to Hip Ratio'?
Both can be used to screen possible health problems and both measures body fat distribution but it is the waist circumference that has a direct correlation with the risk of developing heart disease, because it measures the critical levels of fat accumulated between internal organs and the torso, that is, visceral fat. Visceral fat is directly connected to strokes and heart disease.
Greater the waist circumference, the higher the morbidity and mortality from heart disease, diabetes, stroke and hypertension.
3. How often should I check my WHtR?
Checking every few months is a good practice, especially if you're working on weight or lifestyle changes.
4. Can children use WHtR?
Yes, WHtR is applicable for children over 5, but refer to pediatric-specific guidelines.
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Why is the waist-to-height ratio a better obesity indicator than BMI? It more accurately predicts health risks related to abdominal fat distribution.
Im 161cm and 51kg [BMI 19.7] but it tells me im underweight? My waist size is 25in/63.5cm.