Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-height ratio and see how it compares to the widely cited "keep your waist below half your height" guideline.
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Your result
0.5
Waist-to-height ratio
AI explanation
Formula
Ratio = waist circumference / heightWorked example
Waist 80cm, height 175cm
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Waist circumference | 80 |
| Height | 175 |
| Waist-to-height ratio | 0.46 |
| Category | Healthy |
Assumptions
- Uses the widely cited threshold of 0.5 (keep your waist circumference below half your height) as the healthy cutoff, per Ashwell et al.
- Considered by some research to be a better indicator of cardiometabolic risk than BMI alone, since it reflects central (abdominal) fat specifically.
- Informational only — not a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?
A ratio below 0.5 — meaning your waist circumference is less than half your height — is generally considered healthy, per the widely cited "keep your waist to less than half your height" guideline.
Is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?
Some research suggests it's a better predictor of cardiometabolic risk than BMI because it specifically captures central (abdominal) fat, which is more strongly linked to health risk than overall body size.
Where should I measure my waist?
Measure at the narrowest point of your torso, typically around the navel, with the tape snug but not compressing the skin.
Related calculators
Sources
- Waist-to-height ratio is a better screening tool than waist circumference and BMI for adult cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and meta-analysis — Obesity Reviews. Effective 01-03-2012, reviewed 13-09-2026.
This calculator provides a general estimate only and does not constitute personalized medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for a full health assessment.
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