Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-height ratio from your waist and height. See your category, target waist range, BMI context, measurement guidance and practical interpretation.
Calculator
Enter total height in centimetres.
Enter feet and inches.
Measure around the waist, not the hips.
Ratio thresholds are broadly similar, but waist guidance can vary.
Adult interpretation is most useful for 18+.
Used to add BMI context.
The 0.5 rule means “keep waist less than half your height”.
Target waist planner
Choose a target ratio and see the waist measurement needed for your height.
Breakdown
Personalised interpretation
How the calculation works
Waist-to-height ratio compares your waist circumference with your height. It is a simple way to add central body-fat context alongside BMI and body weight.
A common rule of thumb is to keep your waist measurement below half your height, which means a ratio below 0.50. Higher values can suggest increased central fat and higher cardiometabolic risk.
Note: This calculator is for general guidance only. It does not diagnose health conditions. Health risk also depends on age, sex, ethnicity, blood pressure, blood markers, smoking, fitness, medical history and medication.
How to measure your waist correctly
- •Use a flexible tape measure. Keep it level around your body and do not pull it tight into the skin.
- •Measure around the middle. A common method is halfway between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hip bones.
- •Stand relaxed. Do not suck in your stomach or hold your breath.
- •Measure after breathing out normally. This gives a more consistent reading.
- •Repeat and average. Take 2–3 measurements if you are unsure.