What is waist-to-height ratio?

Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is your waist circumference divided by your height, both in the same unit. It is built around one simple rule of thumb: keep your waist to less than half your height.

Should your waist be half your height?

The commonly cited target is a WHtR below 0.5 — waist less than half of height — for most adults. It is a single threshold that applies across sexes and many age groups, unlike BMI or waist-to-hip ratio, which both need separate cutoffs.

Is WHtR better than BMI?

Some research has found WHtR a stronger predictor of cardiometabolic risk than BMI, because it captures central fat directly rather than inferring it from total weight. Neither replaces a full clinical assessment, and both are screening tools, not diagnoses.

Why does this calculator use only two measurements?

That simplicity is the point of WHtR: no sex-specific thresholds and no hip measurement, just waist and height, making it easy to calculate and track consistently.

Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator

Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is your waist circumference divided by your height. It is built around a single, easy-to-remember rule: keep your waist under half your height — no separate thresholds by sex, unlike BMI or waist-to-hip ratio.

Calculate your WHtR

Enter metric measurements. Runs entirely in your browser.

The WHtR formula

WHtR = waist circumference ÷ height

Both measurements must be in the same unit. The commonly cited healthy threshold is a ratio below 0.5.

WHtR reference bands

Waist-to-height ratio bands
WHtR	Band
0.0–0.4	Below typical range — consider a check-in if unintended
0.4–0.5	Healthy range
0.5–0.6	Increased health risk
0.6+	High health risk

How to use WHtR

WHtR is a screening estimate, not a diagnosis. Measure your waist at the same landmark each time — around the navel, standing relaxed, tape snug but not compressing the skin — so results are comparable over time. Discuss any health concern with a healthcare provider.

Common questions

What is waist-to-height ratio?: Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is your waist circumference divided by your height, both in the same unit. It is built around one simple rule of thumb: keep your waist to less than half your height.
Should your waist be half your height?: The commonly cited target is a WHtR below 0.5 — waist less than half of height — for most adults. It is a single threshold that applies across sexes and many age groups, unlike BMI or waist-to-hip ratio, which both need separate cutoffs.
Is WHtR better than BMI?: Some research has found WHtR a stronger predictor of cardiometabolic risk than BMI, because it captures central fat directly rather than inferring it from total weight. Neither replaces a full clinical assessment, and both are screening tools, not diagnoses.
Why does this calculator use only two measurements?: That simplicity is the point of WHtR: no sex-specific thresholds and no hip measurement, just waist and height, making it easy to calculate and track consistently.