Does a value at or above the WHO threshold diagnose a condition?

No. It is a population screening reference, not a diagnosis or individual risk prediction.

Why does the calculator ask for sex?

WHO publishes different population reference cut points for men and women. The selection changes only that comparison.

Can thresholds vary by ethnicity?

Yes. WHO discusses population variation and evidence that some groups may experience risk at different values.

Should I use waist circumference instead?

Waist circumference is another screening measure. A clinician can choose measures appropriate to your history and population.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio with WHO Context

Calculate a same-unit ratio and see a sourced population reference—without diagnostic claims.

Metric or imperial

Sex-specific WHO context

No diagnostic labeling

Measurement unit

CentimetersInches

Waist circumferenceFollow a consistent measurement protocol and keep the tape level.Hip circumferenceMeasure around the widest portion of the buttocks using the same unit as waist.Sex used for WHO referenceThis selection only chooses the published WHO population threshold.

How to Measure and Calculate WHR

Measurement technique can change the result, so use a non-stretch tape and one consistent protocol.

Choose centimeters or inches; the chosen unit does not change the ratio.

Consistency matters

Repeat measurements under similar conditions. A ratio cannot correct for a misplaced or tightened tape.

A Ratio, Not a Diagnosis

The calculator divides waist by hip. WHO reports reference cut points of 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women while also noting variation by population and measurement method. The interpretation says only whether the value is below or at/above that reference.

WHR Examples

Same-unit metric example

Circumferences

waist:80

hip:100

sex:female

Ratio

0.80, below the 0.85 female reference

80 ÷ 100 = 0.80.

Equivalent imperial example

Circumferences

waist:32

hip:40

sex:female

Ratio

0.80

The same-unit ratio is unchanged by unit choice.

Never mix units

Convert one measurement first if waist and hip were recorded in different units.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Convert first so both circumferences use the same unit.

Still have questions about this calculation?

Try the Calculator

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Formula

Because numerator and denominator use the same dimension, units cancel.

Formula

WHR = waist / hip

Waist-to-hip ratio

WHR = waist / hip

WHO reference comparison

men: WHR ≥ 0.90; women: WHR ≥ 0.85

Scientific Background

WHO's expert consultation reviewed measurement protocols, sex and ethnicity differences, and relationships with cardiometabolic outcomes. It cautions that cut points and predictive value can differ among populations.