Waist to hip ratio

Waist divided by hips, in whichever units your tape uses. Then we compare it with the World Health Organization cut-offs for women and men.

Your details

Sex
Waist
Hips
Height (optional, for waist to height)
Earlier waist (optional)
Earlier hips (optional)

Hips: measure round the widest part of your bottom, feet together.

Your waist to hip ratio

0.77

Below the WHO cut-off

  • WHO cut-off for women0.85
  • Waist that would reach 0.85 at these hips33.2 in
  • Your waist on its own (WHO)30.0 in: below the increased risk size (31.5 in)
  • Where you carry moreHips and thighs
  • Waist to height ratioadd your height for the check NICE now prefers

Your waist is comfortably smaller than your hips, below the level the WHO links with extra risk.

The working

Two measurements, one division

A 30 in waist and 39 in hips gives 30 ÷ 39 = 0.77. For a woman, that is well below the WHO cut-off of 0.85.

The WHO links a ratio of 0.85 or more in women, and 0.90 or more in men, with a substantially higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Apples and pears

Why hips matter

Fat on the hips and thighs is more inert, and some studies even link bigger hips with lower heart risk. Fat around the middle is more active and more closely tied to blood sugar problems. The ratio captures that balance in one number.

Three checks

Ratio, waist and waist to height

The WHO 2008 report gives two kinds of line. The ratio: 0.85 or more for women and 0.90 or more for men is substantially increased risk. The waist on its own: over 80 cm (31.5 in) for women and 94 cm (37 in) for men is increased risk, and over 88 cm (34.6 in) and 102 cm (40.2 in) is substantially increased.

Hips can hide a big waist: a 36 in waist with 44 in hips gives a ratio of 0.82, under the line for women, yet the waist is over 88 cm. So we show all three, and add your height for the waist to height ratio NICE prefers (under 0.5 for every background).

We also work out the waist that would put you exactly on the cut-off at your hip size: 0.85 × 39 in = 33.2 in for a woman with 39 in hips. Add earlier measurements and you can see whether the ratio is moving.

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

  • After pregnancyYour ratio changes for months after having a baby.
  • Hip measurementThe widest point is easy to miss, so measure twice.
  • On its ownNICE now prefers waist to height for everyday checks.

Questions

Common questions

What is a healthy waist to hip ratio for a woman?

Below 0.85, according to the WHO. Many women sit between 0.70 and 0.80.

What is a good waist to hip ratio for a man?

Below 0.90.

Is waist to hip ratio better than BMI?

It tells you about shape rather than size, so it adds information BMI misses. NICE suggests waist to height ratio as the easiest everyday check.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

If your weight is on your mind

Talk to your GP if your weight has changed a lot without trying, or if it is worrying you. If food or your body feels hard to think about, Beat has a free helpline on 0808 801 0677 (England, weekdays 3pm to 8pm).

Related

Related calculators