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Your waist-to-height ratio.

The waist-to-height ratio is one of the simplest and most powerful predictors of cardiovascular risk: keep your waist measurement below half your height for a healthy zone.

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Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Simple cardiovascular risk screening — keep your waist below half your height
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Your measurements

in
in
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Your result

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Too lean
Healthy
Increased
High
Very high
0.300.400.500.600.700.80+
Waist-to-height ratio—
Zone / category—
Max recommended waist height × 0.5—
Your waist vs max—
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How it's calculated

One ratio, one simple rule: keep it below 0.5

The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) divides your waist circumference by your height. The golden rule, validated across all ages and ethnicities, is: keep your WHtR below 0.5 — meaning your waist should be less than half your height. For someone 170 cm (67 in) tall, the maximum healthy waist is 85 cm (33.5 in).

Unlike BMI, which only uses weight and height, WHtR directly measures central (abdominal) fat distribution — the type most strongly linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease.

WHtR = Waist ÷ Height | Healthy goal: keep WHtR < 0.5
  1. 1
    Convert both measurements to cm (internally)
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  2. 2
    Divide waist by height
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  3. 3
    Maximum recommended waist = height × 0.5
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  4. 4
    Your waist minus max recommended waist
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Understand the terms

WHtR (Waist-to-Height Ratio)
Your waist circumference divided by your height. A dimensionless ratio. Works in cm or inches as long as you use the same unit for both.
Central adiposity
Excess fat stored around the abdomen (visceral fat). More metabolically harmful than fat stored in the hips and thighs.
Cardiometabolic risk
The combined risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Threshold 0.5
The simple, universal cut-off proposed by Ashwell & Hsieh (2005): "keep your waist to less than half your height." Applies to men and women across ethnic groups.
See the full glossary →
Disclaimer: estimation tool for informational and planning purposes, using reference values from Ashwell & Hsieh (2005) and WHO guidelines. The result depends on accurate measurements and does not replace clinical assessment by a doctor or dietitian.
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Frequently asked questions — Waist-to-height ratio

What is the waist-to-height ratio?
The WHtR divides your waist circumference by your height. The golden rule: keep your waist to less than half your height, i.e. WHtR below 0.5. It is one of the simplest and most powerful predictors of cardiovascular risk.
What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?
A WHtR between 0.40 and 0.49 is considered healthy for adults of both sexes. Below 0.40 may indicate underweight; 0.50–0.59 means increased cardiovascular risk; 0.60–0.69 means high risk; 0.70 and above is very high risk.
Is WHtR better than BMI?
Research suggests WHtR is at least as good as BMI and often superior for predicting cardiometabolic risk, because it directly measures central (abdominal) fat — which is more harmful than peripheral fat. A 2010 systematic review by Browning et al. confirmed this finding across multiple studies.
How do I measure my waist correctly?
Measure at the midpoint between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone (iliac crest), usually at or just above the navel. Breathe out normally before measuring. Do not suck in your stomach. Use a flexible tape measure and keep it snug but not tight.
Does WHtR apply to children?
Yes. Ashwell and Hsieh (2005) proposed a universal threshold of 0.5 that applies across age groups and ethnicities, making WHtR particularly useful as a global screening tool for both children and adults.

📚 Learn more — official sources

🔬 StudyAshwell & Hsieh (2005) — WHtR as a global predictorSeminal paper proposing WHtR < 0.5 as a universal healthy threshold across all ages and ethnicities.See on PubMed → 🏛️ OrganizationWHO — Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio reportWorld Health Organization expert consultation on cut-off points for waist and abdominal adiposity measures.See official source → 🔬 StudyBrowning et al. (2010) — Systematic review of WHtR as CVD predictorSystematic review confirming WHtR as a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease risk across populations.See on PubMed → 🏛️ OrganizationBHF — Waist measurement and heart healthBritish Heart Foundation guidance on how waist measurement relates to heart disease risk and how to measure correctly.See official source →

About the Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator

The waist-to-height ratio is a dimensionless index that directly captures central adiposity — abdominal fat — which is more metabolically harmful than fat stored elsewhere. Its universal threshold of 0.5 applies to men and women of all ethnicities and ages, making it one of the most practical screening tools available.

These calculations are free, without login or sign-up. For personalised cardiovascular risk assessment, speak to your doctor or a qualified health professional.

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