What does the Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator do?

Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio and cardiovascular disease risk using WHO guidelines. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.

Is this medical advice?

No. This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or an appropriate healthcare professional for medical guidance.

Are the reference values from the NHS?

Where applicable, this calculator uses reference values and guidelines from the NHS and other UK health authorities. Individual needs may vary based on personal health circumstances.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio and cardiovascular disease risk using WHO guidelines.

Last updated: April 2026 · Source: NHS — Waist circumference and health risk

Waist (cm)

Measure at narrowest point

Hip (cm)

Measure at widest point

Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

How It Works

Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference. The World Health Organisation uses WHR as an indicator of central obesity and associated health risks, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It is considered a better predictor than BMI alone for certain conditions.

WHO defines abdominal obesity as a WHR above 0.90 for men and above 0.85 for women. A ratio below these thresholds is associated with lower risk. The NHS also recommends monitoring waist circumference independently: above 94 cm (men) or 80 cm (women) indicates increased risk, and above 102 cm (men) or 88 cm (women) indicates high risk.

Measure your waist at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone (iliac crest), and your hips at the widest point of the buttocks. Use a flexible tape measure on bare skin, standing and breathing normally.

Example: Female, waist 76 cm, hips 100 cm

WHR = waist ÷ hips = 76 ÷ 100 = 0.76
WHO threshold for women: 0.85
Result: 0.76 is below threshold — low risk
Waist also below 80 cm — healthy range

Source: NHS — Waist circumference and health risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator do?: Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio and cardiovascular disease risk using WHO guidelines. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.
Is this medical advice?: No. This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or an appropriate healthcare professional for medical guidance.
Are the reference values from the NHS?: Where applicable, this calculator uses reference values and guidelines from the NHS and other UK health authorities. Individual needs may vary based on personal health circumstances.