Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Waist-to-height ratio compares your waist to your height. A widely used rule is to keep your waist to less than half your height (a ratio under 0.5).
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Below 0.4 | Below healthy range |
| 0.4 to 0.5 | Healthy |
| 0.5 to 0.6 | Increased risk |
| 0.6 and above | High risk |
Source: Ashwell M, Hsieh SD. Six reasons why the waist-to-height ratio is a rapid and effective global indicator. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2005;56(5):303-307. (doi:10.1080/09637480500195066)
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For weight relative to height, see the BMI calculator. For daily calorie needs, see the TDEE and BMR calculator.
FAQs
Why use waist-to-height ratio instead of BMI?
Waist-to-height ratio captures central fat, the fat around your abdomen that is most strongly tied to metabolic risk. Several studies have found it predicts cardiometabolic risk at least as well as BMI, and it is simple: keep your waist to less than half your height.
How do I measure my waist correctly?
Measure around your abdomen at the level of your belly button, after breathing out gently, without pulling the tape tight. Use the same units for waist and height; the ratio itself has no units.
What ratio should I aim for?
A ratio of 0.4 to 0.49 is in the healthy range. From 0.5 to 0.59 suggests increased risk, and 0.6 or above suggests high risk. A ratio under 0.4 is below the typical healthy range.