Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) calculator
Waist-to-height ratio gives a picture of fat stored around the middle and works well alongside BMI. Measure your waist as shown below, then enter waist and height in the same unit.
How to measure your waist correctly
- Stand straight with feet slightly apart; measure on skin or over thin clothing
- Find the bottom of your ribs (1) and the top of your hips (2)
- Wrap the tape around your waist midway between these points (3), usually just above the belly button. Keep it level and not tight
- Breathe out naturally, then read the tape. Enter waist and height in the same unit (both cm or both inches)
What the result means
Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is your waist divided by your height. It estimates fat stored around the middle, which is linked to the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
NICE recommends that adults with a BMI below 35 use WHtR alongside BMI, with the same cut-offs for all sexes and ethnicities: 0.40–0.49 no increased risk from central fat · 0.50–0.59 increased risk · 0.60 or more further increased risk. All are basic screening results, not a diagnosis.
A systematic review (Ashwell 2012) found WHtR a better screening tool for cardiometabolic risk than waist circumference alone or BMI.
How it is calculated
- WHtR = waist ÷ height (same unit, so the result has no unit)
- Categories use the exact value before rounding; the result is shown to two decimals, so an exact 0.4999 shows as 0.50 but is still "healthy"
- Waist at a ratio of 0.5 = height × 0.5
- Measurement per NICE box 1: midway between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the hips, after breathing out naturally
Limitations and cautions
- A basic screening, not a diagnosis; the result depends on measuring at the right spot
- These cut-offs apply to adults with a BMI below 35 (NICE); people with a BMI of 35 or more should be assessed by a health professional
- Not for under-18s or pregnancy
- This tool does not recommend foods or products
Results are estimates or basic screening only, not a medical diagnosis or medical advice.
Related articles
- What is BMI, how do you work it out, and how do you check your waist against your height? ›
- How excess weight affects your health: 4 common causes and where to start ›
- How to manage your weight the healthy way: 5 practical tips ›
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References
- NICE (UK) NG246: Overweight and obesity management, recommendations 1.9.5–1.9.14 and box 1 (checked 16 Oct 2026) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Ashwell M, Gunn P, Gibson S. Waist-to-height ratio is a better screening tool than waist circumference and BMI for adult cardiometabolic risk factors. Obes Rev 2012;13:275–286 ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- NIST SP 811 Appendix B.8 — unit conversion factors ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Compiled by Well Nutrition Hub from the sources listed. Content last reviewed 16 Oct 2026.