Waist-to-hip ratio chart: how to measure and read your result
Sheenam Midha · Health writer
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A waist-to-hip ratio chart helps interpret where body size is carried, not just how much a person weighs. The calculation is easy, but accurate tape placement and consistent technique determine whether repeat measurements are comparable.
Use the waist-to-hip-ratio calculator after recording both circumferences in the same unit.
Why waist-to-hip ratio matters
More fat carried around the abdomen is associated with cardiometabolic risk. Hip circumference adds context by comparing central size with the lower body. The ratio can reveal change even when body weight is stable.
It cannot identify visceral fat precisely or diagnose diabetes, fatty liver, or heart disease.
How to measure waist and hips
- Stand relaxed with feet together and clothing moved out of the way.
- For the waist, find the midpoint between the lowest rib and top of the hip bone.
- Wrap the tape horizontally without compressing the skin.
- Measure after a normal exhale.
- Measure hips at the widest point of the buttocks with the tape level.
- Repeat and use the same landmark next time.
Waist-to-hip ratio = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference
Example: 80 cm waist ÷ 100 cm hips = 0.80.
Waist-to-hip ratio chart
Common WHO risk bands are:
| Risk band | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Lower | 0.80 or below | 0.90 or below |
| Increased | Above 0.80 | Above 0.90 |
| Substantially increased | Above 0.85 | Above 1.00 |
Thresholds do not perform identically across every ancestry, age, or body type. They are screening guideposts, not a diagnosis.
Common measurement mistakes
Measuring at the narrowest visible waist one day and at the navel the next can create a false trend. Pulling the tape tight, holding the breath, measuring over bulky clothing, or angling the hip tape also changes the result.
Record the landmark and time of day. Small differences inside the likely tape error should not drive major decisions.
How it fits with body fat and BMI
BMI describes weight relative to height. Body-fat percentage estimates composition. Waist-to-hip ratio describes distribution. Use our body-fat percentage chart and body-shape calculator as complementary tools.
Women can review age-aware body-fat context, and men can use the men’s guide.
When to discuss the result
Bring a rising waist trend or high ratio to a routine health visit, especially with high blood pressure, elevated glucose, abnormal lipids, sleep apnea symptoms, or family history. The response should focus on sustainable habits and overall risk, not shame or crash dieting.
The bottom line
Waist-to-hip ratio is inexpensive and informative when measured well. Its strongest value is as a consistent trend alongside other health markers.
Evidence and review
How this article was checked
Measurement method and commonly used WHO risk thresholds checked against WHO and current AHA patient guidance. Evidence last reviewed Aug 3, 2026.
- WHO - Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio - Measurement protocol, evidence review, and commonly used risk thresholds.
- American Heart Association - Know Your Numbers - Current context for waist size, BMI, and cardiometabolic risk.
- NHLBI - Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk - Use of waist measurement alongside weight and health risk factors.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Answers
Frequently asked questions
How is waist-to-hip ratio calculated?
Divide waist circumference by hip circumference using the same unit for both.
Where should I measure my waist?
WHO guidance uses the midpoint between the lowest rib and top of the hip bone, measured after a normal exhale. Use the same landmark each time.
Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?
It adds information about fat distribution, while BMI describes weight relative to height. Neither is a diagnosis, and they can be used together.
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