What is Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR)?

WHtR is the ratio of your waist circumference to your height and is used to assess abdominal obesity and associated health risks.

How do I measure my waist?

Measure waist at the narrowest point or just above the navel. Use a tape measure snug but not compressing skin.

Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator | Measure WHtR & Health Risk

Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator

Units

Waist Circumference (cm)

Height (cm)

Gender (for interpretation)

Your Waist-to-Height Ratio Results

Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR)

0.00

Risk Category

—

About Waist-to-Height Ratio

What is WHtR?

Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) is a simple measurement that divides waist circumference by height. WHtR estimates abdominal obesity which is linked to increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Many experts consider WHtR to be a better predictor of health risks than BMI.

How to Measure

Stand upright and breathe normally.
Measure waist at the narrowest point or just above the navel — tape should be snug but not compressing skin.
Measure height without shoes, standing straight against a wall.
Use the same units for both measurements (cm or inches).

Interpretation (general guidelines)

Healthy Range: WHtR ≤ 0.5 — low health risk
Moderate Risk: WHtR 0.51-0.59 — increased health risk
High Risk: WHtR ≥ 0.60 — significantly increased health risk
For older adults (over 50), some guidelines suggest a slightly higher cutoff of 0.6 may be acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a high WHtR mean? +

A high WHtR indicates more abdominal fat relative to height, which is associated with higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and other metabolic conditions.

Is WHtR better than BMI? +

Many studies suggest WHtR is a better predictor of health risks than BMI because it specifically measures abdominal fat, which is more metabolically active and dangerous than fat stored elsewhere.

Does WHtR vary by ethnicity? +

Yes, some ethnic groups may have different risk thresholds. For example, South Asian populations may have higher health risks at lower WHtR values. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Waist-to-Height Ratio: A Superior Measure of Health Risk

The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is increasingly recognized as a more accurate predictor of obesity-related health risks than BMI. This simple measurement—your waist circumference divided by your height—provides insight into abdominal fat distribution, which is strongly correlated with metabolic health issues.

Why WHtR Matters More Than BMI

Unlike BMI, which only considers overall weight relative to height, WHtR specifically measures abdominal obesity. This is important because visceral fat (fat around organs) is metabolically active and releases inflammatory compounds that increase disease risk. Research suggests that keeping your waist circumference to less than half your height is optimal for health.

Universal Application Across Populations

One advantage of WHtR is its consistency across different populations. While BMI categories may need adjustment for different ethnic groups, the "keep your waist to less than half your height" rule appears to apply universally to adults. This makes WHtR an easy-to-remember guideline for everyone.

Using WHtR in Clinical Practice

Healthcare providers are increasingly incorporating WHtR into health assessments because it's simple to calculate, easy for patients to understand, and strongly predictive of cardiometabolic risk. Some studies suggest WHtR may be a better screening tool than BMI for identifying individuals at risk of obesity-related health conditions.

Monitoring Changes Over Time

Unlike height, which remains stable in adulthood, waist circumference can change with lifestyle modifications. This makes WHtR an excellent tool for tracking progress in weight management programs. Small reductions in WHtR can signal significant health improvements, even before major weight loss occurs.

By providing this WHtR calculator, we aim to offer a practical tool that helps users better understand their health risks and monitor their progress toward healthier body composition.