Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Body-shape ratio linked to health risk.
Formula
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Example
0.9 for men, 0.8 women is healthy
How it works
The waist-to-hip ratio compares the circumference of the waist with the circumference of the hips. It helps show how body fat is distributed: a larger ratio usually means more fat is carried around the abdomen, which is associated with higher health risks than fat stored more around the hips and thighs. The formula works because it standardizes the waist size relative to body frame and lower-body size, making it easier to compare people of different builds.
When to use it
Use this ratio in fitness, nutrition, or health screenings when you want a quick indicator of body-fat distribution rather than overall size. It is especially useful for checking changes over time in the same person or comparing measurements against general risk guidelines.
Worked example, step by step
Step 1: Measure the waist circumference = 72 cm Step 2: Measure the hip circumference = 96 cm Step 3: Substitute into the formula: WHR = waist / hip = 72 / 96 Step 4: Calculate: WHR = 0.75 Final answer: The waist-to-hip ratio is 0.75
Common mistakes to avoid
- Dividing hip by waist instead of waist by hip
- Using inches and centimetres together without converting to the same unit
- Confusing waist-to-hip ratio with body mass index (BMI)
Did You Know?
A waist-to-hip ratio above roughly 0.9 in men or 0.85 in women signals elevated health risk.
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