Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Divide your waist by your height to get the waist-to-height ratio, a simple, strong indicator of health risk that works across ages and body types. Calculates in your browser.
Waist-to-height ratio
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Show the math
The ratio is simply your waist divided by your height:
ratio = waist ÷ height
NICE (the UK's health guideline body) bands the ratio as healthy at 0.4 to 0.49, increased health risk at 0.5 to 0.59 and high at 0.6 or more, for adults with a BMI under 35, and advises keeping your waist to less than half your height (0.5). The healthy waist shown is a little lower, 0.495 × height, because a ratio of 0.495 or more already shows as 0.50. To measure, find the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips and wrap the tape midway between them (just above the belly button), then breathe out naturally.
What this does
A waist-to-height ratio calculator divides your waist by your height to give a simple, strong indicator of health risk that works across ages and body types.
How it works
Dividing your waist measurement by your height gives the ratio. Because it focuses on fat stored around the abdomen, it tracks health risk more closely than overall weight and needs no age- or sex-specific tables.
Ratio = waist ÷ height
How to use it
- Measure your waist midway between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips.
- Enter your waist and height in the same units.
- Read your waist-to-height ratio.
- Compare it against the 0.5 guideline.
Understanding your result
NICE (the UK’s health guideline body) bands the ratio for adults with a BMI under 35: 0.4 to 0.49 is healthy, 0.5 to 0.59 means increased health risk, and 0.6 or more high risk. It advises keeping your waist to less than half your height. NICE sets no band below 0.4.
Example
A 32-inch waist with a 70-inch height gives a ratio of about 0.46, within the lower-risk range.
Sources & methodology
- NIH, Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk, Waist size and health risk
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?
NICE puts a healthy ratio at 0.4 to 0.49, with 0.5 to 0.59 meaning increased health risk and 0.6 or more high risk, for adults with a BMI under 35. In short, keep your waist to less than half your height.
Why use it instead of BMI?
It focuses on fat stored around the abdomen, which is more closely linked to health risk than overall weight. It also needs no sex- or age-specific tables.
Where should I measure my waist?
NICE says to find the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips and wrap the tape midway between them (just above the belly button), then breathe out naturally before measuring.
Is my data stored?
No. Everything is calculated locally in your browser.
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