Waist-to-height ratio calculator
Your waist size tells more about belly (visceral) fat than BMI does. The rule is simple: keep your waist to less than half your height. Enter your waist and height to see your ratio and what it means.
What your ratio means
Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) = waist circumference ÷ height, both in the same units. The UK's NICE guideline uses these thresholds for adults:
| Ratio | What it means |
|---|
| < 0.4 | May indicate low weight — check your BMI |
| 0.4–0.49 | Healthy, no increased risk |
| 0.5–0.59 | Increased risk (heart disease, type 2 diabetes) |
| ≥ 0.6 | High risk |
WHtR works for women and men and for most ethnic groups, and it can flag risk even when BMI is normal. It is not intended for pregnancy or for very muscular athletes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?
A ratio from 0.4 to 0.49 indicates no increased health risk. From 0.5 the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes rises, and from 0.6 it is high.
Is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?
They measure different things. BMI reflects total weight; waist-to-height ratio reflects fat around the waist, which is more closely linked to cardiometabolic risk. Using both gives a fuller picture.
How do I measure my waist correctly?
Stand up straight, breathe out normally and measure midway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
