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Waist to Height Ratio Calculator
Waist to Height Ratio Calculator

Enter your measurements to calculate your Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR) and assess health risks.

Unit System
Metric
Imperial
Male
years
About Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR)

Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR) is a simple yet powerful health screening tool that measures the ratio of your waist circumference to your height. Research shows WHtR may be a better predictor of health risks than BMI, especially for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The simple rule of thumb is: "Keep your waist circumference to less than half your height". This means a WHtR of less than 0.5 is considered healthy for most adults. WHtR is particularly useful because it accounts for different body types and ethnic variations better than BMI.

How WHtR is Calculated:

WHtR = Waist Circumference ÷ Height
(Both measurements in the same units)
Example: 80 cm waist ÷ 170 cm height = 0.47 WHtR

WHtR Categories:

Adults (18+)
< 0.40:Underweight
0.40-0.50:Healthy
0.50-0.60:Increased Risk
0.60-0.70:High Risk
> 0.70:Very High Risk
Health Risks
WHtR > 0.5:
• Increased cardiovascular risk
• Higher diabetes risk
• Metabolic syndrome risk
• Hypertension risk
• Sleep apnea risk

Advantages of WHtR:

  • Better Health Predictor: More accurate than BMI for predicting cardiovascular and metabolic risks
  • Simple Measurement: Only requires height and waist circumference
  • Age Independent: Same healthy range applies across different age groups
  • Ethnicity Inclusive: Works well across different ethnic populations
  • Abdominal Focus: Specifically targets dangerous abdominal fat

Important: Measure your waist circumference at the narrowest point, typically just above your belly button. Take the measurement while standing and breathing normally, without pulling the tape measure too tight.

Safety Information

This WHtR calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. Results should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalized health assessments.

Measurement Guidelines

For accurate results, measure your waist at the narrowest point while standing. Take measurements consistently at the same time of day, preferably in the morning. If you have health concerns, consult with a healthcare provider for proper assessment.