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Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator

Calculate your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) — considered a more reliable risk signal than BMI.

Rule of thumb: keep your waist below half your height.

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Ashwell classification (age-adjusted)

Age group: under 40 years
CategoryWHtR range
Underweight< 0,40
Low risk0,40 – 0,50
Increased risk (consider action)0,50 – 0,55
Substantially increased risk0,55 – 0,60
Very high risk≥ 0,60

Example

A woman with an 85 cm waist and 175 cm height has a WHtR of 85 ÷ 175 = 0.486. Below 0.50 — low risk per Ashwell. With a 92 cm waist the ratio would be 0.526, already in the increased-risk zone.

Why WHtR instead of BMI?

The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a simple measure for estimating the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Unlike BMI, it accounts for the distribution of body fat — and visceral abdominal fat is now considered the decisive risk factor for cardiometabolic health. A meta-analysis by Ashwell, Gunn & Gibson (2012) showed that WHtR outperforms BMI in predicting diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Its key advantage is scalability across all heights and sexes: the simple rule «keep your waist below half your height» applies universally — from teenagers to older adults, with a small age-based adjustment. Compared to the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), WHtR is easier to measure because it requires only one circumference plus height. That makes it ideal for regular self-monitoring. Important: measure your waist in the morning, fasted, at navel height, after a normal exhale. The tape should be horizontal and snug, but not compressing the skin. Combine WHtR with other indicators such as BMI, body fat percentage and ideal weight for a complete picture of body composition.

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Note: this calculator does not replace medical diagnosis. Discuss any concerning values with a physician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WHtR?+
WHtR (Waist-to-Height Ratio) is the ratio of waist circumference to height. Both are measured in the same unit (cm). A value below 0.5 is considered healthy.
How is WHtR calculated?+
WHtR = waist circumference ÷ height. Example: 85 cm waist and 175 cm height give 85 ÷ 175 = 0.486.
Which values are healthy?+
Per Ashwell (2012): below 0.40 underweight, 0.40–0.49 low risk, 0.50–0.54 increased, 0.55–0.59 substantially increased, 0.60 and above very high. Thresholds rise slightly from age 40.
Is WHtR more meaningful than BMI?+
Yes. Studies show WHtR outperforms BMI in predicting cardiovascular risk and type 2 diabetes because it accounts for fat distribution.
WHtR or waist-to-hip ratio?+
Both measure abdominal adiposity. WHtR is simpler (one circumference plus height) and applies universally. WHR is established in WHO classification.
How do I measure waist correctly?+
Standing, in the morning, fasted, at navel height, after a normal exhale. Tape horizontal and snug but not compressing.

Background

Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR): Calculator, Risk & Ashwell Chart

7 min