What Is Waist to Hip Ratio? A Simple Health Measurement
Waist to hip ratio is a measurement calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference. It is used as an indicator of body fat distribution and potential health risk.
At a glance
- Term
- Waist to Hip Ratio
- What it is
- Body composition measure
- Section
- Body care and skin
- Also called
- WHR
- In one line
- It’s a quick way to check where you store body fat by comparing your waist measurement to your hip measurement.
What Waist to Hip Ratio means
Waist to hip ratio, or WHR, is a simple measurement that compares the circumference of your waist to the circumference of your hips. It’s calculated by dividing your waist measurement by your hip measurement. The resulting number is used as a quick indicator of how body fat is distributed. A higher ratio suggests more fat is stored around the abdomen (sometimes called an “apple” shape), while a lower ratio indicates more fat is stored around the hips and thighs (an “pear” shape).
The reason this measurement is used is that fat stored around the midsection, known as visceral fat, behaves differently than fat stored elsewhere on the body. This abdominal fat is located deeper in the body, surrounding the internal organs. Having a higher proportion of fat in this area is associated with different health outcomes. For this reason, WHR can be a useful, though not definitive, screening tool for assessing potential health risks alongside other measures like blood pressure and cholesterol.
Because it only requires a flexible tape measure, WHR is an accessible metric you can track at home. It can be one of several data points, like resting heart rate or blood pressure, that you use to monitor your general health. It is not a diagnostic tool, but an unusual or changing result might be a reason to check in with your doctor. It provides a different piece of information than simply stepping on a scale, as it focuses on body shape rather than total weight.
WHR is a helpful shorthand, but it has limitations. The measurement does not distinguish between fat mass and muscle mass, so a very muscular person might have a higher ratio without having excess abdominal fat. A person’s bone structure can also influence the measurement. It’s also not a reliable indicator for certain groups, including pregnant people, children, and individuals with specific medical conditions. WHR is best viewed as one piece of a larger health puzzle, not a standalone grade of your health.
What public guidance says
The World Health Organization uses a waist-to-hip ratio at or above 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women as a marker of abdominal obesity.
How to measure it
- Find your natural waist. This is the narrowest part of your torso, typically just above your belly button and below your rib cage. Stand up straight and relax your stomach.
- Measure your waist. Wrap a flexible tape measure around your waist, making sure it’s level all the way around. The tape should be snug against your skin but not digging in. Breathe out normally and record the measurement.
- Find the widest part of your hips. This is usually around the fullest part of your buttocks. Keep your feet together.
- Measure your hips. Wrap the tape measure around the widest point of your hips, keeping it parallel to the floor. Record the measurement.
- Calculate your ratio. Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. For example, if your waist is 30 inches and your hips are 40 inches, your WHR is 0.75.
Waist to Hip Ratio vs. similar terms
| Compared with | How Waist to Hip Ratio differs | What the other term means |
|---|---|---|
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | Waist to hip ratio measures body fat distribution, not overall weight relative to height. | BMI is a calculation based on your height and weight, used as a general indicator of body fatness. |
| Body Fat Percentage | Waist to hip ratio is a simple circumference measurement, not a direct measure of your total body fat. | Body fat percentage is the proportion of your total body mass that is fat, often measured with tools like calipers or bioelectrical impedance scales. |
Common misconceptions
- Myth: A low WHR means you’re perfectly healthy. WHR is just one indicator of health. It doesn’t account for other important factors like diet, physical activity, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels. A person can have a low WHR and still have other health issues.
- Myth: You can spot-reduce your waist to improve your ratio. Targeting fat loss from one specific area of the body isn’t possible. Overall fat loss occurs throughout the body as a result of a consistent calorie deficit, which can be achieved through diet and exercise.
- Myth: WHR is the best and most accurate way to measure body composition. WHR is a simple and accessible screening tool, but it has limitations. It doesn’t differentiate between fat and muscle and can be less accurate for people with certain body types. More comprehensive methods exist for assessing body composition.
Related terms
When to bring in a professional
While WHR can be a useful personal metric, it’s best to discuss your overall health and any concerns with a healthcare professional.
- If you have concerns about your body composition or weight.
- If you want personalized advice on diet and nutrition from a registered dietitian.
- Before beginning a new exercise program, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
- If your WHR is high and you have other risk factors like high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease.
How this entry was made: drafted with AI assistance from general, widely published definitions, checked in a separate verification pass for invented numbers and claims, and edited by the Millennials Wellness editors. General information only, not medical, financial or legal advice. Last checked October 2026. Our ground rules · Back to the glossary