The waist to height ratio (WHtR) calculator is a valuable tool used to assess an individual’s body composition and potential health risks.
WHtR is considered by many health professionals to be a more accurate predictor of health risks than Body Mass Index (BMI). It takes into account the fact that abdominal fat, often referred to as “visceral fat,” is more detrimental to health than fat stored in other parts of the body.
Waist to Height Ratio Calculator
| Height (cm) | Waist (cm) | WHtR | Classification | Imperial Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 170 | 68 | 0.400 | Healthy | H: 66.9″, W: 26.8″ |
| 165 | 86 | 0.521 | Overweight | H: 65.0″, W: 33.9″ |
| 180 | 90 | 0.500 | Overweight | H: 70.9″, W: 35.4″ |
| 155 | 62 | 0.400 | Healthy | H: 61.0″, W: 24.4″ |
| 175 | 105 | 0.600 | Obese | H: 68.9″, W: 41.3″ |
Conversion equation:
- cm to inches: divide by 2.54
- inches to cm: multiply by 2.54
Waist to Height Ratio Chart
| WHtR Range | Classification |
|---|---|
| < 0.4 | Underweight |
| 0.4 – 0.49 | Healthy |
| 0.5 – 0.59 | Overweight |
| ≥ 0.6 | Obese |
Waist to Height Ratio Formula
The formula for calculating WHtR is straightforward:
WHtR = Waist Circumference / HeightBoth measurements should be in the same unit (typically centimeters or inches).
For instance:
- If an individual has a waist circumference of 32 inches and a height of 70 inches, their WHtR would be: 32 / 70 ≈ 0.457
- Using metric units, if someone has a waist circumference of 80 cm and a height of 170 cm, their WHtR would be: 80 / 170 ≈ 0.471
What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?
A healthy WHtR generally falls between 0.4 and 0.49. This range is associated with lower risks of obesity-related health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Individuals with a WHtR below 0.4 may be underweight, which can also pose health risks. Those with a ratio of 0.5 or above are typically categorized as overweight or obese, with increasing health risks as the ratio increases.
What is the ideal waist to height ratio for women?
For women, an ideal WHtR is often considered to be around 0.42 to 0.48. This takes into account typical differences in body composition between men and women, with women generally having a higher percentage of body fat.
While the healthy range (0.4 – 0.49) applies to both men and women, some research suggests slight variations based on gender and age.
How do you calculate waist-to-height?
Calculating your WHtR involves three simple steps:
Measure your waist circumference:
- Use a flexible tape measure.
- Place it around your bare abdomen, just above your hipbones.
- Ensure the tape is snug but not compressing your skin.
- Take the measurement after exhaling normally.
Measure your height:
- Stand against a flat surface without shoes.
- Use a stadiometer or mark your height on the wall and measure.
Divide waist measurement by height:
- Ensure both measurements are in the same unit (inches or centimeters).
- Use a calculator for precise results.
- For example, if your waist is 81 cm and your height is 165 cm: WHtR = 81 / 165 ≈ 0.491
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6444829/Related Tools:
