WAIST-TO-HEIGHT
RATIO CALCULATOR

A single measurement that predicts cardiometabolic risk better than BMI. Keep your waist below half your height.

✅ Better Than BMI for Risk📋 WHO Recommended📈 Instant Risk Category

Your Measurements

Waist Circumference (cm)

Height (cm)

Your Result

Waist-to-Height Ratio

Category--

💡 Target Waist (50% of Height)--

💡 To Reach Healthy Ratio--

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WHtR Classification

Category	Waist-to-Height Ratio	Health Risk
Extremely Slim	< 0.40	Possible underweight risk
Healthy ✓	0.40–0.49	Low cardiometabolic risk
Overweight	0.50–0.59	Elevated risk
Obese	≥ 0.60	High to very high risk

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Waist-to-Height Ratio: The BMI Alternative

Body Fat Percentage Explained

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What Is Waist-to-Height Ratio?

Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your height, both measured in the same unit. The healthy threshold is simple and universal: keep your waist circumference below half your height. This corresponds to a WHtR below 0.5 for most adults.

Why WHtR Outperforms BMI

Unlike BMI, WHtR directly captures central adiposity — the accumulation of visceral fat around the abdomen, which is the most metabolically harmful type of fat. Multiple large meta-analyses have found WHtR to be a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and all-cause mortality than BMI. A 2012 analysis of over 300,000 adults found WHtR identified cardiometabolic risk with significantly higher sensitivity than BMI alone.

WHtR	Category	Health Risk
<0.4	Extremely Slim	Possible underweight risk
0.4–0.49	Healthy	Low
0.5–0.59	Overweight	Elevated
≥0.6	Obese	High to Very High

IndexBody Editorial

Evidence-Based Content

Content reviewed for accuracy using guidelines and research from the WHO, CDC, NIH, and peer-reviewed academic journals. See disclaimer.

Built by Ren Martin

Sports coach · 20+ years in fitness · Used this calculator personally

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?

A waist-to-height ratio below 0.5 is widely considered healthy for adults. The simple rule: keep your waist circumference below half your height. For example, a person 175cm tall should aim for a waist measurement below 87.5cm.

What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?

Research by Ashwell and Hsieh (2005) established 0.5 as the key threshold — a waist circumference less than half your height indicates low cardiometabolic risk. A ratio of 0.4–0.49 is considered optimal. Above 0.6 is associated with substantially elevated risk of metabolic disease, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular events, independent of BMI.

Why is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?

WHtR captures central adiposity — fat stored around the abdominal organs (visceral fat) — which is metabolically far more harmful than subcutaneous fat. BMI cannot distinguish fat location or type. Studies show WHtR predicts cardiometabolic disease risk significantly better than BMI, particularly in people of Asian descent where BMI thresholds are less accurate.

Is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?

Research suggests yes, for cardiometabolic risk specifically. WHtR directly measures central adiposity (visceral fat), which is more strongly associated with metabolic disease than total body fat. Multiple large studies have found WHtR outperforms BMI as a predictor of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.

How do I measure my waist correctly?

Measure at the midpoint between the bottom of your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone, typically at or just above the navel. Breathe normally — do not suck in. Measure after breathing out gently. Use a flexible tape measure held snugly but without compressing the skin.

WAIST-TO-HEIGHTRATIO CALCULATOR

What Is Waist-to-Height Ratio?

Why WHtR Outperforms BMI

Frequently Asked Questions

WAIST-TO-HEIGHT
RATIO CALCULATOR