Compare your waist and hip measurements, understand your body-fat distribution, and see a commonly used central-obesity screening benchmark.
Your measurements
Use the same unit for both measurements. The ratio itself has no unit.
Your result
Your waist is 5.0 cm below the selected benchmark.
How to measure accurately
Stand relaxed. Measure midway between the lowest palpable rib and the top of the hip bone after a normal breath out.
Place the tape around the widest part of the buttocks, keeping it level and snug without compressing the skin.
Take each measurement twice. If readings differ noticeably, repeat them before calculating.
Understanding waist-to-hip ratio
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) equals waist circumference divided by hip circumference. It is a simple screening measure of fat distribution. A higher ratio can indicate more abdominal fat, but it cannot diagnose a disease or replace a clinical assessment.
Commonly used central-obesity action points are 0.90 or higher for men and 0.85 or higher for women. These broad benchmarks may not suit every age, population, pregnancy status, body type, or medical situation.
Does the measurement unit change the answer?
No. Centimeters and inches give the same ratio when the same unit is used for both measurements.
Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?
They describe different things. BMI relates weight to height, while WHR describes where body size is distributed. A healthcare professional may consider both along with blood pressure, laboratory results, history, and other factors.
When should I avoid interpreting this result?
General benchmarks may be inappropriate during pregnancy, soon after childbirth, for children, or when a medical condition changes abdominal size. Ask a qualified clinician for individualized interpretation.
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