Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator

Q: What is a good waist-to-height ratio?

A ratio between 0.40 and 0.49 is considered healthy. A ratio of 0.5 or higher means extra fat is likely stored around the abdomen.

Q: Is WHtR better than BMI?

Studies suggest WHtR predicts heart and metabolic risk at least as well as BMI because it captures central fat. Using both gives a fuller picture.

Q: How do I measure my waist for WHtR?

Stand relaxed and measure around your waist midway between the bottom of your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone, after breathing out normally. A simple rule is to keep your waist below half your height.

Q: What is the waist-to-height ratio for 170 cm and a waist circumference of 82 cm?

Waist-to-height ratio: 0.48 (Healthy). Your waist is 48% of your height, which is below the 50% mark. Enter your own numbers above for a personal result.

Keep your waist under half your height. Free, private and instant.

How to use the Waist-to-Height Ratio

Pick metric (cm, kg) or imperial (ft, in, lb) units.
Enter height.
Enter waist circumference.
Press Calculate to get an instant result with a colour scale, chart and plain-English explanation.

About the Waist-to-Height Ratio

Waist-to-height ratio divides your waist circumference by your height. Because it accounts for body size, it is a simple screening measure of belly fat and cardiometabolic risk that works for most adults and children.

Also known as: WHtR calculator, waist to height ratio, waist-to-height ratio chart, waist height ratio calculator.

Worked example

Height: 170 cm
Waist circumference: 82 cm

Waist-to-height ratio: 0.48 (Healthy). Your waist is 48% of your height, which is below the 50% mark.

Target waist (< 0.5): 85.0 cm
Healthy waist range: 68.0 - 83.3 cm
Your waist: 82.0 cm
Margin below 0.5: 3.0 cm

Formula and cut-offs

WHtR = waist circumference / height (both in the same unit). Below 0.40 is very slim, 0.40-0.49 is healthy, 0.50-0.59 is increased risk and 0.60 or more is high risk. The rule of thumb is to keep your waist below half your height.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good waist-to-height ratio?

A ratio between 0.40 and 0.49 is considered healthy. A ratio of 0.5 or higher means extra fat is likely stored around the abdomen.

Is WHtR better than BMI?

Studies suggest WHtR predicts heart and metabolic risk at least as well as BMI because it captures central fat. Using both gives a fuller picture.

How do I measure my waist for WHtR?

Stand relaxed and measure around your waist midway between the bottom of your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone, after breathing out normally. A simple rule is to keep your waist below half your height.

What is the waist-to-height ratio for 170 cm and a waist circumference of 82 cm?

Waist-to-height ratio: 0.48 (Healthy). Your waist is 48% of your height, which is below the 50% mark. Enter your own numbers above for a personal result.

Sources and references

Written and checked by the MediHub editorial team against the sources above. Read how we build and review our calculators.

More health calculators

Last updated 2026-10-25. This calculator is for education only and is not medical advice. See the medical disclaimer.