Waist-to-height ratio calculator · WHtR
Purpose
Use this calculator to compare your client's waist with their height. The ratio shows how much weight sits around the middle, which a body weight or BMI alone does not show.
NICE recommends it for adults with a BMI under 35, of both sexes and all ethnic backgrounds, including adults with high muscle mass.
How to measure
- Preparation
- Your client stands relaxed with their waist bare or in light clothing. Measure height without shoes.
- Equipment
- Tape measure and a height measure
Find the landmarks
Find the bottom of the ribs and the top of the hips.
Place the tape
Wrap the tape around the waist midway between these points. This is usually just above the belly button.
Measure
Ask your client to breathe out naturally, then read the tape.
Measure height
Measure height without shoes, in any unit.
Scoring
Divide the waist by the height. Enter each in centimetres or inches: the calculator converts them before dividing.
Formulas
- Waist-to-height ratio
- waist ÷ height
Interpretation
NICE classifies central adiposity with the bands below. The calculator shows the ratio without a label.
Reference values
| Waist-to-height ratio | NICE classification |
|---|---|
| 0.4 to 0.49 | Healthy central adiposity |
| 0.5 to 0.59 | Increased central adiposity |
| 0.6 or more | High central adiposity |
Sources
- NICE NG246: overweight and obesity managementBox 1 measuring method and recommendation 1.9.14 bands for adults with a BMI under 35.
- Ashwell, Gunn and Gibson: waist-to-height ratio as a screening tool (2012)Obesity Reviews 13(3):275–286. Meta-analysis of more than 300,000 adults comparing the ratio with waist circumference and BMI.
Sources checked by SoloTrainer.net · 24 Sep