Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
A waist-to-height ratio under 0.5 is often recommended for minimizing cardiometabolic risk. Enter your waist and height to see where you stand.
Measurements
Use a soft tape measure and stand upright with natural breathing.
Your Waist-to-Height Ratio
WHtR
0.47
Classification
Optimal range for adults - maintain current habits.
Converted measurements
Waist: 80.0 cm - Height: 170.0 cm
How to Use This Calculator
Measure at the right spots
Waist: narrowest point or midpoint between rib and hip. Height: without shoes, standing upright with heels together.
Interpret your ratio
Target less than 0.5 for most adults. Children may have slightly lower cutoffs. Higher ratios indicate greater visceral fat.
Track with other metrics
Use WHtR alongside BMI, RFM, and blood markers to get a full picture of metabolic health.
Formula
Waist-to-Height Ratio = Waist / Height
- Use the same units for both measurements (e.g., centimeters).
- WHtR below 0.5 is often associated with lower cardiometabolic risk in adults.
- Children may use 0.46 to 0.5 as reference cutoffs, depending on age and sex.
Example: Waist 82 cm, height 170 cm - WHtR = 82 / 170 is approximately 0.48.
Why Track Waist-to-Height Ratio?
WHtR captures abdominal fat better than BMI alone. It correlates strongly with cardiometabolic risk factors like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Because it normalizes waist for height, it works across populations and body types.
Combine WHtR with regular exercise, nutrition planning, and medical screening to keep your metabolic health on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is WHtR different from WHR?
WHtR compares waist to height, while WHR compares waist to hip. WHtR focuses on overall central adiposity, WHR on fat distribution.
Can bodybuilders use WHtR?
Yes. WHtR remains informative for muscular individuals because it emphasizes abdominal fat rather than total weight.
Does ethnicity affect cutoffs?
Some guidelines adjust cutoffs slightly by ethnicity. Consult local public health recommendations for tailored advice.
Should I measure before or after meals?
Measure under consistent conditions - ideally in the morning before eating - for comparable results over time.