Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator (WHO Method) | Heart Risk & Body Shape

How to Measure Correctly

1. Waist Circumference

Measure at the midpoint between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone. For most people, this is at the narrowest point, usually just above the navel. Breathe out normally (don't suck it in).

2. Hip Circumference

Measure around the widest portion of the buttocks, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

Why Body Shape Matters More Than BMI

Apple vs. Pear Shapes

🍎 Apple Shape (Visceral Fat)

Carrying weight around the midsection corresponds to high Visceral Fat. This type of fat wraps around internal organs like the liver and pancreas, releasing fatty acids and inflammatory cytokines into the blood. This increases the risk of insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

🍐 Pear Shape (Subcutaneous Fat)

Carrying weight in the hips and thighs is primarily Subcutaneous Fat (under the skin). While less esthetically desired by some, it acts as a "metabolic sink" for fat storage and is significantly safer than visceral fat. It does not release toxins into the bloodstream as readily.

WHO Risk Standards

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies metabolic risk based on gender-specific cut-off points:

Health Risk	Body Shape	Women	Men
Low Risk	Pear Shape	0 - 0.79	0 - 0.89
Moderate Risk	Apple Tendency	0.8 - 0.84	0.9 - 0.99
High Risk	Apple Shape	0.85+	1+

Check your other stats

See how your WHR compares to your BMI and total Body Fat.

BMI Calculator Body Fat %

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good waist-to-hip ratio for a woman?

According to the WHO, a ratio of 0.80 or lower is considered low risk (good/Pear shape). Ratios between 0.81 and 0.84 are moderate risk, and ratios of 0.85 or higher indicate abdominal obesity (Apple shape) which correlates with higher health risks.

Can I change my body shape from Apple to Pear?

Genetics largely determine your bone structure, but you can change your fat distribution. 'Apple' shapes are caused by visceral fat. Reducing sugar intake and performing HIIT exercise can specifically target visceral fat, moving you from High Risk to Low Risk even if your skeletal shape remains the same.

Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?

For predicting heart attack and diabetes risk, yes. Studies show WHR is a superior predictor of mortality than BMI because it specifically targets dangerous abdominal fat, whereas BMI can be skewed by muscle mass (misclassifying athletes as overweight).

What is a dangerous ratio?

For men, a ratio > 1.0 is considered dangerous (High Risk). For women, a ratio > 0.85 is dangerous. These levels correlate strongly with Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

Tools & Data Verified by the EverydayCalculators Medical Research Team.

Last updated: December 2026.

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Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator