Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-height ratio, a simple screening measure for health risk.
Waist-to-height ratio
Not sure which body type category you lean toward? Take the Body Type Quiz quiz.
Take the quizThe 'keep your waist under half your height' rule
Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a simple screening tool that some researchers argue predicts cardiometabolic risk better than BMI, since it directly reflects central fat accumulation relative to body size.
The commonly cited target is keeping your waist circumference under half your height, which corresponds to a ratio under 0.5.
If your height is in centimeters, the height converter will get it into inches for this calculator, and the body shape calculator or body type quiz can tell you more about overall proportion beyond this one ratio.
Where these numbers come from
The formulas and default values in this calculator are based on:
- Ashwell, M., Hsieh, S.D. (2005), "Six reasons why the waist-to-height ratio is a rapid and effective global indicator for health risks," International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
These are planning estimates for training purposes. Check with a coach, trainer, or physician before starting a new program or maxing out.
Frequently asked questions
Is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?
Some research suggests WHtR correlates better with cardiometabolic risk than BMI since it accounts for fat distribution, but both are screening tools, not diagnostic measures.
What ratio is considered healthy?
Under 0.5 is the commonly cited healthy threshold, meaning your waist circumference is less than half your height.
Does this apply the same way to athletes?
Muscular athletes with a larger frame can sometimes measure slightly higher without elevated health risk, similar to the BMI limitation for muscular individuals.
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