What is WHR? Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator & Chart for Male Female

WHR (Waist-to-Hip Ratio) is a measurement that compares the circumference of the waist to that of the hips. It is used to assess body fat distribution and determine potential health risks, particularly related to heart disease and diabetes.

Unlike BMI (Body Mass Index), which measures overall body weight relative to height, Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator focuses on where fat is stored in the body, providing additional insights into health risks associated with abdominal fat.

Why is Waist-Hip Ratio Important?

Waist-hip ratio (WHR) is important because it provides insights into how fat is distributed in the body, which can significantly impact health. It helps identify individuals at higher risk for conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, especially when excess fat is concentrated around the abdomen.

WHR is a more specific indicator of health risks than overall weight or BMI, as it focuses on the distribution of fat rather than total body mass.

How To Calculate WHR (Waist to Hip Ratio)?

To calculate WHR ration, first of all you need to take measurements of your waist and hips.

To measure the waist and hips for calculating WHR, follow these steps:

Measuring the Waist

  1. Find the narrowest point:
    Locate the natural waistline, usually above the belly button and below the ribcage.
  2. Stand upright:
    Ensure you are standing straight with feet hip-width apart and relaxed.
  3. Place the tape measure:
    Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the waist at the narrowest point. Ensure the tape is snug but not compressing the skin.
  4. Record the measurement:
    Take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters at the point where the tape overlaps.

Measuring the Hips

  1. Find the widest point:
    Locate the widest part of the hips and buttocks.
  2. Stand straight and relaxed:
    Keep feet together to get an accurate measurement.
  3. Wrap the tape measure:
    Place the measuring tape around the widest area, ensuring it stays level all the way around.
  4. Record the measurement:
    Note the number at the point where the tape overlaps.

WHR Calculation Formula

To calculate Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) you can divide the waist measurement with hip measurement. Below is the WHR calculation formula.

  1. Obtain Measurements: Record your waist and hip circumferences in the same unit (inches or centimeters).
  2. Apply the Formula: Divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement: WHR={Waist Measurement}/{Hip Measurement}
  3. Result: The resulting value is your WHR, which helps assess health risks based on fat distribution.

WHR Calculator

Ideal WHR or Waist to Hip Ratio Male?

The ideal Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) for male is 0.90 or less. A WHR above this threshold may indicate a higher risk of health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and metabolic disorders, particularly if excess fat is concentrated around the abdomen.

Ideal WHR or Waist to Hip Ratio Female?

For women, a Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) of 0.85 or lower is considered ideal. Higher waist to hip ratio for female could indicate increased health risks, particularly for conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, associated with abdominal fat accumulation.

Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator

Waist Measurement
Hip Measurement
Calculate WHR

Based on the result from above calculator, you can check the risk level in the waist to hip ratio chart provided below.

Waist to Hip Ratio Chart

WHR Value (Men) WHR Value (Women) Risk Level
0.90 or less 0.85 or less Low Risk (Healthy)
0.91 – 0.99 0.86 – 0.94 Moderate Risk
1.00 or higher 0.95 or higher High Risk

Difference in WHR Calculation for Male and Female

The risk level values for Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) are different for males and females because of differences in body fat distribution and how fat is associated with health risks in each gender.

Fat Distribution:

  • Men: Tend to store more fat around the abdomen (visceral fat), which is linked to higher risks of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders.
  • Women: Typically store more fat around the hips and thighs (subcutaneous fat), which is less associated with the same health risks as abdominal fat.

Hormonal Differences:
Hormones like estrogen in women promote fat storage around the hips and thighs, while testosterone in men encourages abdominal fat storage. This difference affects how fat accumulation impacts health risks.

Health Implications:
Abdominal fat (common in men) is more metabolically active and associated with higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. In women, fat around the hips is generally considered less harmful. As a result, the threshold for “high risk” is set at a lower WHR for men than for women.

Thus, the different WHR values for each gender account for these physiological and hormonal variations in fat distribution and associated health risks.

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