Waist to Height Ratio Calculator
Calculate your Waist to Height Ratio (WtHR) to assess health risks related to central obesity, based on your waist circumference and height.
Result
Detailed Steps
Visual Representation
Formula
Waist to Height Ratio Calculation
The WtHR is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the height, using consistent units (e.g., cm or in):
Unit Conversion
To convert between units:
Healthy Guideline
A healthy WtHR is generally ≤0.5, indicating that the waist circumference is half the height or less, per the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute:
| WtHR | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| ≤ 0.5 | Healthy (low risk of central obesity) |
| > 0.5 | Increased risk (possible central obesity) |
Consult a healthcare provider to interpret results and assess overall health risks.
How to Use the Waist to Height Ratio Calculator
- Measure your waist circumference midway between the lower rib and iliac crest (usually just above the belly button).
- Measure your height or provide it in feet/inches.
- Enter your waist circumference (e.g., 96.5 cm or 38 in).
- Enter your height (e.g., 170 cm, 67 in, or 5 ft 7 in).
- Select the units (cm, in, or ft/in for height).
- Choose your preferred display mode (Standard, Step by Step, or Chart).
- Click the “Calculate” button to view your WtHR.
- Review the results to ensure your WtHR is ≤0.5 for low health risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the waist-to-height ratio?
The WtHR is the ratio of your waist circumference to your height, used to assess central obesity and related health risks.
Why is the WtHR important?
It indicates whether your waist size is proportionate to your height, helping identify risks for conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
What is a healthy WtHR?
A WtHR ≤0.5 is considered healthy, meaning your waist is half your height or less, per the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
How do I measure my waist correctly?
Measure midway between the lower rib and iliac crest (just above the belly button) using a flexible tape measure, keeping it snug but not tight.
How do I convert between units?
Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimeters, or divide centimeters by 2.54 for inches. For feet/inches, convert to inches (feet × 12 + inches). The calculator handles conversions automatically.