Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Compare your waist to your height using the "keep your waist under half your height" rule of thumb backed by research. This free online fitness & health calculator runs entirely in your browser — no signup, no data sent anywhere.
Inputs
Results
How It Works (Formula & Method)
Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) divides your waist circumference by your height. Because it is a ratio, any unit works as long as both numbers use the same one. The widely used boundary is 0.5: keeping your waist under half your height is associated with lower health risk across ages and ethnicities.
Ratios from 0.5 to 0.6 indicate increased risk, and above 0.6 indicates high risk. Below about 0.4 may indicate being underweight. Several studies find WHtR predicts cardiometabolic risk at least as well as BMI, while being simpler to interpret.
Worked Example
Below is a worked example using the calculator's default values. The same numbers are pre-filled in the form above so you can press Calculate and see the result without typing anything.
Inputs used:
- Waist (same unit as height): 80
- Height (same unit as waist): 170
With these inputs, the calculator computes the metrics shown in the Results panel. Change any value and press Calculate again to see how the result responds — the live widget and the chart both update instantly.
Tips & Considerations
WHtR avoids some of BMI's blind spots because it directly reflects central (abdominal) fat. Measure your waist at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone. As with any single metric, use it as a screening indicator rather than a diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?
A ratio below 0.5 is generally considered healthy — the guideline is to keep your waist circumference under half your height. Ratios of 0.5 to 0.6 suggest increased risk and above 0.6 suggests high risk.
Is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?
Research suggests waist-to-height ratio predicts cardiovascular and metabolic risk at least as well as BMI, because it captures abdominal fat directly. Many clinicians use the two together rather than choosing one.
What does the Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator compute?
The Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator takes 2 input values and returns 2 results. Calculate your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and health-risk category using the simple, evidence-based rule that waist circumference should be less than half your height.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. The Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator runs entirely in your browser using static JavaScript. Your inputs are never transmitted to CalculatorHive or any third party, and nothing is stored after you close the page.
Reviewed against: CDC, NIH, and World Health Organization guidance. Results are estimates for educational use only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for personal health decisions.