How do I measure waist and hip circumference?

Use a flexible tape, keep it level, and measure the waist and hips at consistent anatomical locations. Follow a clinician’s instructions where available.

Should I use centimetres or inches?

Either is fine as long as both measurements use the same unit; the units cancel when the ratio is calculated.

Does a WHR category diagnose disease?

No. It is a screening reference only. Speak with a qualified health professional for personal medical guidance.

Is the Waist-to-Hip Ratio free to use?

Yes. Waist-to-Hip Ratio on The Daily Tools is completely free, requires no account, and runs entirely in your browser.

Does The Daily Tools store my inputs?

No. Your numbers and text never leave your device. The Daily Tools has no backend database for calculator inputs.

Who should use the Waist-to-Hip Ratio?

Anyone who needs a clear health and fitness calculation and wants to check the assumptions used.

How accurate is the Waist-to-Hip Ratio?

Results follow the standard formula shown on this page. They are estimates for planning — not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Can I use the Waist-to-Hip Ratio on mobile?

Yes. The Daily Tools is fully responsive and works on phones, tablets, and desktops.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio

Body-shape health indicator.

Private — runs in your browser Instant results

Sex

Waist

Measure consistently with a flexible tape; this calculator is for adults.

Hip

Adult WHR screening result

0.89

Category: Low risk

Low < 0.90

Moderate 0.90 – 0.99

High ≥ 1.00

Waist-to-hip ratio is an adult body-shape screening measure associated with cardiovascular risk. It is not a diagnosis and should be interpreted alongside other health information.

What is Waist-to-Hip Ratio?

Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is one screening measure related to body-fat distribution. It is not a diagnosis or a complete assessment of cardiovascular health. Measure both circumferences consistently, then use the same unit for each.

Definition: Waist-to-Hip Ratio divides waist circumference by hip circumference to describe body-fat distribution.

Formula

WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference

Calculation steps

Formula. WHR = waist ÷ hip (same units). Measure waist at the narrowest point and hips at the widest, tape parallel to the floor.

Interpretation. The ranges above are screening references, not a diagnosis. A clinician can interpret WHR alongside your history and other measurements.

Worked example

Example: calculate a waist-to-hip ratio

Inputs: Waist = 80 cm, Hip = 100 cm

Measure waist and hip circumference using the same unit.
Divide waist by hip: 80 ÷ 100.
Compare the result with the reference ranges shown by the calculator.

The waist-to-hip ratio is 0.80.

Use cases

Following a waist-to-hip measurement trend over time
Discussing body-composition measurements with a qualified clinician
Using alongside, rather than instead of, other health measures

Advantages

Browser-based processing — entered values and selected files are not sent to our servers
No account required
Instant results with a clean, readable interface
Transparent formula shown on this page

Limitations

WHR is a screening measure and cannot diagnose cardiovascular disease.
Tape placement and measurement technique can materially change the result.
Pregnancy, medical conditions, and individual circumstances need professional interpretation.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure waist and hip circumference?: Use a flexible tape, keep it level, and measure the waist and hips at consistent anatomical locations. Follow a clinician’s instructions where available.
Should I use centimetres or inches?: Either is fine as long as both measurements use the same unit; the units cancel when the ratio is calculated.
Does a WHR category diagnose disease?: No. It is a screening reference only. Speak with a qualified health professional for personal medical guidance.
Is the Waist-to-Hip Ratio free to use?: Yes. Waist-to-Hip Ratio on The Daily Tools is completely free, requires no account, and runs entirely in your browser.
Does The Daily Tools store my inputs?: No. Your numbers and text never leave your device. The Daily Tools has no backend database for calculator inputs.
Who should use the Waist-to-Hip Ratio?: Anyone who needs a clear health and fitness calculation and wants to check the assumptions used.
How accurate is the Waist-to-Hip Ratio?: Results follow the standard formula shown on this page. They are estimates for planning — not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Can I use the Waist-to-Hip Ratio on mobile?: Yes. The Daily Tools is fully responsive and works on phones, tablets, and desktops.

Sources & references

Key points

Waist-to-Hip Ratio is a free, browser-based calculator for body-shape health indicator.
Formula: WHR = waist circumference ÷ hip circumference
Private, browser-only processing
Private, browser-based processing