Waist-to-hip ratio calculator · WHR
Purpose
Use this calculator to compare your client's waist with their hips. The ratio shows where your client carries weight, which body weight alone does not show.
Measure both circumferences the same way each time you retest.
How to measure
- Preparation
- Your client stands with feet close together, arms at the sides and weight on both feet, in light clothing and relaxed.
- Equipment
- Stretch-resistant tape measure
Measure the waist
Place the tape midway between the lowest rib you can feel and the top of the hip bone.
Measure the hips
Place the tape around the widest part of the buttocks, parallel to the floor.
Read at a normal breath out
Read each measurement at the end of a normal breath out.
Repeat
Measure each twice. If the two are within 1 cm, use their average. If not, measure twice again.
Scoring
Divide the waist by the hip. Enter each in centimetres or inches: the calculator converts them before dividing.
Formulas
- Waist-to-hip ratio
- waist ÷ hip
Interpretation
The cut-offs below are the ones WHO lists for men and women. The calculator shows the ratio without a label.
Reference values
| Group | Waist-to-hip ratio | Risk of metabolic complications |
|---|---|---|
| Men | 0.90 or more | Substantially increased |
| Women | 0.85 or more | Substantially increased |
Sources
- WHO: waist circumference and waist-hip ratio, expert consultation (2008)Published 2011, ISBN 978 92 4 150149 1. Measuring method in section 2.5 and the cut-offs in annex table A1.
Sources checked by SoloTrainer.net · 24 Sep