The Cardiovascular
ToolsCalculators

Waist-to-Hip Ratio

Ratio of waist to hip circumference as a measure of abdominal (central) adiposity.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Sex
Waist circumference
Measured at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the iliac crest
Hip circumference
Measured at the widest point over the buttocks
Complete the fields above to see the result.

When to use

  • Estimating central adiposity and associated cardiometabolic risk when waist and hip circumferences are available.
  • Complementing or substituting for BMI, which does not capture fat distribution.

Formula

Waist-to-hip ratio = waist circumference / hip circumference (same units for both).

Pearls and pitfalls

  • WHO defines substantially increased cardiometabolic risk at a ratio >=0.90 in men and >=0.85 in women.
  • Measurement technique (landmarks, posture, end-expiration) affects reproducibility — use a consistent protocol.

References

  1. World Health Organization. Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio: Report of a WHO Expert Consultation, Geneva, 8-11 December 2008. Geneva: WHO; 2011.
  2. Ohlson LO, Larsson B, Svardsudd K, et al. The influence of body fat distribution on the incidence of diabetes mellitus. 13.5 years of follow-up of the participants in the study of men born in 1913. Diabetes. 1985;34(10):1055-8.