Waist-to-hip ratio and what it suggests about health risk.
Waist-to-hip ratio
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WHO risk category
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Body shape
Waist vs hip
A screening ratio, not a diagnosis. WHO risk bands are population averages and do not account for age, ethnicity or muscle mass. Talk to a doctor about what your figure means for you.
How this works
Waist-to-hip ratio = Waist measurement ÷ Hip measurement
Risk
Male WHR
Female WHR
Low
below 0.90
below 0.80
Moderate
0.90 – 0.99
0.80 – 0.84
High
1.00 and above
0.85 and above
Measure the waist at its narrowest point, usually just above the belly button, and the hips at their widest point.
A higher ratio ("apple" shape, fat carried around the waist) is linked with more cardiovascular risk than a lower ratio ("pear" shape) at the same body weight.
WHO uses waist-to-hip ratio alongside BMI, not instead of it — the two measure different things.
Where exactly do I measure waist and hip?
Waist: around the narrowest point of your torso, usually level with your belly button, without pulling the tape tight. Hip: around the widest part of your buttocks. Measure both standing, and use the same unit for each.
What is an "apple" versus "pear" body shape?
Apple shape carries more weight around the waist relative to the hips (a higher WHR); pear shape carries more around the hips and thighs (a lower WHR). Apple shape is associated with somewhat higher cardiovascular risk at a similar overall weight.
Does the unit I choose change the ratio?
No — since it is a ratio of two measurements in the same unit, centimetres and inches give the identical result. The unit selector is just for your own reference.