Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Simple health indicator
Formula
WHtR = Waist / Height
Simple rule: Keep waist < half your height
WHtR Categories
| <0.4 | Underweight |
| 0.4-0.5 | Healthy |
| 0.5-0.6 | Overweight |
| >0.6 | Obese |
Related
Complete Guide to Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Waist-to-Height Ratio is one of the simplest health indicators. The rule is easy: your waist circumference should be less than half your height. This single measurement predicts health risks as well as more complex measures.
Why WHtR Works
Unlike BMI, WHtR accounts for abdominal fat, which is the most dangerous type. Unlike waist circumference alone, it adjusts for body size (tall people can have larger waists while still being healthy).
The Simple Rule
"Keep your waist to less than half your height." If you're 170cm tall, aim for waist under 85cm. This applies to all adults regardless of age or sex, making it remarkably easy to remember and use.
WHtR vs Other Measures
- Easier to calculate than BMI (no math needed)
- Better predictor of health risks than BMI
- More accurate than waist circumference alone for different heights
- Same threshold (0.5) works for men and women
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep it under 0.5 - meaning your waist should be less than half your height. This simple rule works for all adults regardless of sex, age, or ethnicity.
For many purposes, yes. WHtR specifically captures abdominal obesity, which is more dangerous than overall weight. Multiple studies show WHtR predicts heart disease and diabetes risk better than BMI.
Measure at the narrowest point of your torso, usually just above the belly button. Stand relaxed, don't suck in. Use a flexible tape measure parallel to the floor.
You're at the boundary. Aim to get slightly below 0.5 for a safety margin. Even small reductions in waist circumference improve health markers.
The 0.5 cutoff is validated for adults. For children, the healthy boundary is lower (around 0.4-0.45) because children naturally have smaller waists relative to height.
Health is multifactorial. However, WHtR over 0.5 indicates increased visceral fat and associated health risks. Even if you feel fine, working to reduce it is beneficial.
Waist circumference reflects visceral (organ) fat, which is metabolically active and harmful. You can be 'normal weight' with a high waist and have more health risks than someone heavier with less belly fat.