What WHR measures
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) compares the circumference of your waist to your hips. It is a simple indicator of how fat is distributed - a higher ratio means more weight is carried around the abdomen ("apple" shape), which research links to greater cardiovascular and metabolic risk than weight carried on the hips ("pear" shape).
Because it is a ratio, the units cancel - inches or centimetres give the same number, as long as you measure both in the same unit. Measure the waist at its narrowest point (around the navel) and the hips at the widest part of the buttocks, keeping the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin.
Worked example
A 32-inch waist and 40-inch hips:
Risk categories
The World Health Organization uses different thresholds for each sex because of natural differences in body shape. For women, roughly: below 0.80 is low risk, 0.80-0.84 is moderate, and 0.85 or above is high. For men: below 0.90 is low, 0.90-0.99 is moderate, and 1.0 or above is high. WHR is a screening guide, not a diagnosis - it does not account for muscle, frame or overall fitness. Discuss any health concerns with a clinician. Everything is computed in your browser.