Calculate your WHR and health risk classification per WHO guidelines
This calculator uses WHO waist-to-hip ratio thresholds as a general health screening tool. It does not replace clinical assessment. Consult your GP for personalised health advice, especially if your results indicate elevated risk.
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a simple measurement that compares the circumference of your waist to that of your hips. It is used by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the NHS as a screening tool for assessing the distribution of body fat and its associated health risks. Research consistently shows that carrying excess fat around the abdomen (an "apple" body shape) is more strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome than carrying fat on the hips and thighs (a "pear" body shape). WHR is often considered a more useful health indicator than BMI alone because it specifically measures where fat is stored rather than just overall weight relative to height. A person with a normal BMI but a high WHR may still face elevated health risks due to visceral fat -- the fat that surrounds internal organs in the abdominal cavity. The NHS uses both waist circumference and WHR alongside BMI to build a more complete picture of weight-related health risk. This calculator computes your waist-to-hip ratio, classifies your risk level according to WHO thresholds, and also assesses your waist circumference independently using NHS guidelines. The combination of both measurements provides a more reliable assessment than either one alone. If your results indicate moderate or high risk, the NHS recommends discussing your results with your GP, who may suggest further tests such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol checks.
To calculate your waist-to-hip ratio: 1. Measure your waist circumference in centimetres. Stand upright and breathe out normally. Place the tape measure halfway between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hip bones -- this is usually at or just above belly button level. The tape should be snug but not compressing the skin. Measure against bare skin or light clothing for accuracy. 2. Measure your hip circumference in centimetres. Place the tape measure at the widest point of your buttocks. Keep the tape level all the way around and ensure it is not twisted. 3. Select your sex. WHR risk thresholds differ between males and females because men and women naturally store fat in different patterns. 4. Enter your age. While the core WHR calculation does not change with age, this information provides additional context as cardiovascular risk generally increases with age. 5. Review your results. You will see your WHR value (to 2 decimal places), your WHO risk classification, and a separate waist circumference risk assessment. The chart shows your WHR against the threshold values for your sex, making it easy to see where you fall relative to the risk boundaries.
The waist-to-hip ratio is calculated with a straightforward formula: WHR = waist circumference (cm) / hip circumference (cm) For example, a man with a 90cm waist and 100cm hips has a WHR of 90 / 100 = 0.90. **WHO WHR risk classification:** - Male: Low risk < 0.90, Moderate risk 0.90-0.99, High risk >= 1.00 - Female: Low risk < 0.80, Moderate risk 0.80-0.84, High risk >= 0.85 **NHS waist circumference risk thresholds (independent of hip measurement):** - Male: Low risk <= 94cm, Moderate risk > 94cm, High risk > 102cm - Female: Low risk <= 80cm, Moderate risk > 80cm, High risk > 88cm These thresholds are based on large epidemiological studies that established the relationship between abdominal fat distribution and cardiometabolic disease risk. A WHR of 0.85 in a woman, for instance, has been shown to correlate with significantly higher rates of coronary heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes compared to a WHR below 0.80.
WHR thresholds were established primarily using data from European and North American populations. The WHO notes that optimal thresholds may differ for other ethnic groups. For people of South Asian descent, health risks may be elevated at lower WHR values. If you are concerned about your results, consult your GP for a full cardiovascular risk assessment including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose measurements. The NHS Health Check programme, available to adults aged 40-74 in England, includes waist circumference measurement as part of its routine screening.