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Health & Fitness

Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator

Calculate waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), a simple indicator of central fat linked to cardiometabolic risk.

Your inputs

Results

Waist-to-height ratio

0.486

Reading
Below 0.5 — generally considered lower risk
Waist at a 0.5 ratio
87.5

≈Estimate based on the stated model and assumptions

Notes for this result

  • This is a population-level estimate for adults, not a diagnosis. Discuss health decisions with a qualified professional.
  • The 0.5 boundary is widely used in adults (e.g. UK NICE guidance, 2022).

Inputs are never added to links for financial, salary or health calculators.

What this calculator does

A simple message — keep your waist to less than half your height — captures central body fat better than BMI for many people.

Formula and method

WHtR = waist circumference ÷ height (same units)

Worked example

Calculated by this tool with its default inputs:

Inputs

  • Waist circumference (any unit): 85 cm / in (see Units)
  • Height (same unit): 175 cm / in (see Units)

Results

  • Waist-to-height ratio: 0.486
  • Reading: Below 0.5 — generally considered lower risk
  • Waist at a 0.5 ratio: 87.5

How to read the results

Below 0.5 is generally considered lower risk; 0.5–0.6 increased; 0.6 and above high.

Assumptions and limitations

  • An estimate for healthy adults, not a diagnosis or medical advice. Consult a qualified health professional about your personal situation.

Health results are general estimates for adults and do not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak to a qualified health professional about your personal situation, especially during pregnancy or if you have a medical condition.

Questions

Where should I measure my waist?

Midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone, after breathing out normally.

Sources

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), UK — obesity guidance update recommending waist-to-height ratio (2022)

Methodology and verification

Result type
Estimate based on the stated model and assumptions
Formula version
1.0
Automated verification
2 reference and validation test cases, checked against independently computed values. The site cannot be built if any of them fail.
Editorial review
Awaiting human editorial review. The explanation was drafted with AI assistance; the formula and examples are verified by the automated tests above.

Privacy

Everything you enter is calculated in this browser and is not sent to Numerith or anyone else. Because this calculator can involve personal financial or health details, your inputs are never added to share links or saved to history. Privacy policy