๐ Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Any consistent unit works (e.g. cm) โ just use the same unit for both values.
Enter your waist circumference and height to calculate your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), assessed against the widely cited health guideline of keeping waist circumference under half your height.
How to use
- Enter your waist circumference.
- Enter your height (in the same unit as waist).
- Your waist-to-height ratio and guideline assessment are shown automatically.
How the calculation works
The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is waist circumference divided by height, a simple measure of how much fat you carry around the middle (visceral fat). Waist-to-height ratio = waist (cm) รท height (cm) The guideline "keep your waist to less than half your height" is widely used, so this tool shows under 0.5 as healthy and 0.5 or more as increased risk. The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) adopted the measure in its 2022 guidance for assessing adult health risk. BMI uses only weight and height, so it cannot tell muscle from fat. The waist-to-height ratio directly reflects abdominal fat, so using it alongside BMI gives a better picture of health risk. Because it accounts for height, the same cut-off applies regardless of sex or build.
Worked example
Waist 80 cm, height 170 cm 80 รท 170 โ 0.47 โ healthy (under 0.5) Target for someone 170 cm tall: waist under 85 cm Target for someone 158 cm tall: waist under 79 cm
Things to be aware of
- Measure your waist standing, after breathing out gently, with the tape level at your navel.
- NICE classes 0.5 to under 0.6 as increased health risk and 0.6 or more as high risk.
- Children, older adults and pregnant women may need different criteria.
FAQ
What formula does this use?
Waist-to-height ratio = waist circumference รท height โ a simple ratio. Use the same unit for both values (e.g. cm).
Whatโs the basis for the 0.5 threshold?
The "keep your waist under half your height" guideline is a simple rule of thumb widely cited in epidemiological research as an indicator of cardiovascular and other health risks.
How is this different from BMI?
BMI is a body-mass index derived from weight and height, while waist-to-height ratio more directly reflects abdominal fat distribution, which is linked to visceral fat. Neither substitutes for a medical diagnosis.